What Actions Prompted The Border Control Offensive And Attac

What Actions Prompted The Border Control Offensive And Made The Iss

1) What actions prompted the border control offensive and made the issue of illegal immigration a priority? 2) Who is the enemy? From what or whom are we protecting the border? Is the enemy more than terrorism and terrorists? 3) What is the connection between border enforcement and public health and Safety concerns?

Paper For Above instruction

The border control offensive, especially along the U.S.-Mexico border, was prompted by a complex interplay of political, economic, and security concerns that intensified during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Central to these actions was the increasing flow of undocumented migrants seeking economic opportunities, fleeing violence, or aiming to escape poverty in their home countries, particularly Mexico. These migratory pressures, combined with heightened concerns about national security post-9/11, pushed policymakers to prioritize border enforcement as an essential component of immigration policy.

In Chapter 5 of Peter Andreas’ "Border Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide," the author explores how border enforcement became a national security issue rather than merely an immigration concern. The actions that prompted the offensive included legislative measures like the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996, which increased penalties for illegal crossings, deployed more border patrol agents, and constructed physical barriers. These measures responded to perceptions that illegal immigration was contributing to crime, economic burden, and the potential threat of terrorism. The increased militarization of the border was driven by the need to control the flow of people, drugs, and contraband, which was seen as an imminent threat to public safety.

The concept of the "enemy" in this context evolved from a narrow focus on undocumented migrants to a broader spectrum that includes transnational criminal organizations, drug traffickers, and terrorists. While terrorism and terrorists are often at the forefront of security concerns, Andreas emphasizes that the real threat is multifaceted. The border enforcement apparatus was designed not only to prevent illegal crossings but also to disrupt criminal networks that exploit border vulnerabilities. The emphasis on security and morality aims to protect economic stability, societal safety, and public health.

The connections between border enforcement and public health and safety are profound. Increased law enforcement activities can influence the spread of communicable diseases by restricting movement and affecting access to healthcare for migrants. Furthermore, harsh border policies often force migrants to undertake dangerous crossings, resulting in injuries and fatalities, which strain local emergency and health services. Additionally, the control of illegal drug and human trafficking helps to reduce violence, addiction, and related health issues within communities.

Overall, the border control offensive is driven by a combination of security concerns, economic interests, and public safety considerations. The actions taken have broad implications for societal stability and health, shaping policies that continually adapt to new threats and challenges encountered at the border.

References

• Andreas, Peter. (2009). Border Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide (2nd ed.). Cornell University Press.
• Chavez, L. (2008). The Latino Threat: Constructing Immigration, Threat, and Communities of Resistance. Stanford University Press.
• De Genova, N. (2004). The Legal Production of Mexican/Migrant 'Illegality'.Latino Studies, 2(2), 160-185.
• Golash-Boza, T. (2015). Immigration News: Making Sense of U.S. Media Discourse on Immigration. Routledge.
• Hollifield, J. F. (2008). The Politics of Immigration: Part I: Immigration Policy in the United States. Annual Review of Political Science, 11, 363-383.
• Ngai, M. M. (2004). Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. Princeton University Press.
• Rosenblum, M., & Muñoz, M. A. (2018). Immigration Enforcement in the United States: The Rise of a Controversial Policy. Migration Policy Institute.
• Vogel, L. (2010). Border Patrols and Security: Rethinking Asylum and Immigration Enforcement. Contemporary Security Policy, 31(1), 150-174.
• Ybarra, M. (2009). Silencing the Border: Immigration and the Politics of Violence. University of California Press.
• Zapata-Bedoya, T., et al. (2018). Migration, Security, and Borders: New Challenges and Perspectives. Springer.