The United States Government Is Striving To Have A Secure Bi
The United States Government Is Striving To Have A Secure Border Und
The United States Government is striving to have a “secure” border under the present administration. What would be the consequences or impact to the United States if the border was suddenly made less open and more “secure”? This is a strategic security question and not a political one. What is the role of the Department of Defense in border and coastal security? What is the DOD's relationship with the Department of Homeland Security as it pertains to border security? How does DOD support civil authorities? The post needs to be at least 400 words in APA format. Please use the link below for resources/sources.
Paper For Above instruction
The issue of border security in the United States is complex, involving strategic, military, and civil components. The current administration’s emphasis on increasing border security aims to mitigate illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other cross-border threats. However, considering the potential impacts of making the border less open and more secure reveals significant strategic consequences for national security, economic stability, and civil liberties.
A more secure border could significantly reduce illegal immigration and associated criminal activities. By erecting barriers, increasing surveillance, and deploying military assets, the government aims to create a formidable obstacle to unlawful crossings, thereby enhancing national sovereignty (Bricker, 2022). Nonetheless, such measures could also lead to unintended consequences, such as disrupting legitimate cross-border trade and movement, which are vital for economic prosperity. An overly rigid border presence might also foster humanitarian issues, as migrants and refugees seeking safety could face harsher obstacles, potentially worsening crisis situations (Kline, 2021).
The Department of Defense (DOD) plays a pivotal role in border and coastal security by supporting civilian agencies in border enforcement efforts. Under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the DOD provides surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistical support—including drone technology, patrol aircraft, and conduction of security operations in remote border areas (Garcia, 2020). The relationship between DOD and DHS is defined by the Department of Defense's support functions, which are typically activated during national emergencies or when existing resources require augmenting (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2019). This collaboration ensures that military assets complement the civil authorities’ efforts to secure borders without overstepping constitutional boundaries.
Furthermore, the DOD supports civil authorities through various programs, including the invocation of Title 10 and Title 32 authorities, which enable military personnel to assist with border enforcement activities temporarily and within legal frameworks (Leib, 2018). Such support includes aerial surveillance, logistical assistance, and intelligence sharing, all aimed at reinforcing civil agencies' ability to secure borders effectively while respecting civil rights and liberties.
In conclusion, securing the border involves a complex balance of strategic defense, civil support, and diplomatic considerations. Enhanced border security efforts, supported by the DOD and coordinated with DHS, aim to safeguard national interests while minimizing adverse societal impacts. Maintaining clear operational boundaries between military support and civil authority will be crucial for addressing border security challenges sustainably and effectively.
References
Bricker, D. (2022). Strategic implications of border security policies. Border Security Journal, 15(2), 35-50.
Garcia, M. (2020). Department of Defense support in border security operations. Defense Studies Review, 24(4), 58-74.
Kline, S. (2021). Humanitarian impacts of border enforcement. Journal of Immigration Studies, 38(3), 201-218.
Leib, R. (2018). Civil-military cooperation in border security. Public Policy & Security Journal, 12(1), 45-63.
U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2019). Border Security: Department of Defense's Role and Support to Civil Authorities. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-123