Is the 700 mile border fence merely symbolic?

Question

Does anyone think that 700 more miles of fencing will stem the flow of illegal immigrants? Do people see the fence as a good start or just Bush playing election politics, then letting the status quo continue?

Also, how many miles of high fencing already exist?

Answer 1

Yes it's just a statement being made. The distance of the border is somewhere around 1900 miles. So 700 miles of fence will just be a small inconvenience. It is election time so it makes for good political adds. there is about 400 miles of fencing up now but it is in very poor condition.

Answer 2

Until President Bush signs the appropriations bill for the fence yes the fence is symbolic. Fences do work San Diego has fence and people dont cross at that checkpoint they cross where there is no fence. Stop the Invasion Now!!!!

Answer 3

The feds could easily stop the illegal invasion by arresting and fining every employer who hires illegals. It's against the law to hire an illegal. Go after the employers.

Yes, the fence is a symbol and it's just taking more money from the American taxpayers.

Answer 4

I am near the 700 mile fence. Are you?

Answer 5

Fences are good. That is why 80% of all American homeowners have them.
Fence have worked where they have been put up, some area by 90% according to the news. It is probably true because the Mexican gov't is so upset.
It is political. Either they think we are stupid or they are. I know I'm not. How about you?

Answer 6

"A political bone to the incensed Conservative Base of the GOP!!! "Symbolic"? It's something but the National Guard on the Border would be better and HEAVY Fines on those that employ Illegals and voila !!! Problem under control!

Answer 7

It is anything but just symbolic, it represent the first real efforts since 9/11 to secure our borders, and it also represents 700 miles that those bastards will have to work around!!

Answer 8

There's immigration laws for a reason. These laws have been systematically abused by people trying to make a profit. Cesar Chavez must be rolling in his grave...

Answer 9

I see it as both,its a good start and its playing the game to get votes.We already have areas that are fenced along the CA border,it has proved successful in stopping the illegals in that section,they are being driven towards the AZ border and AZ arrests have increased 10 times.The fence will act as a deterrent and anything that will help us here in AZ(we are the place that most illegals dross at)
would help.

SEC. 3. CONSTRUCTION OF FENCING AND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS IN BORDER AREA FROM PACIFIC OCEAN TO GULF OF MEXICO.

Section 102(b) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C. 1103 note) is amended--

(1) in the subsection heading by striking `Near San Diego, California'; and

(2) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

`(1) SECURITY FEATURES-

`(A) REINFORCED FENCING- In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for least 2 layers of reinforced fencing, the installation of additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors--

`(i) extending from 10 miles west of the Tecate, California, port of entry to 10 miles east of the Tecate, California, port of entry;

`(ii) extending from 10 miles west of the Calexico, California, port of entry to 5 miles east of the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry;

`(iii) extending from 5 miles west of the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry to 10 miles east of El Paso, Texas;

`(iv) extending from 5 miles northwest of the Del Rio, Texas, port of entry to 5 miles southeast of the Eagle Pass, Texas, port of entry; and

`(v) extending 15 miles northwest of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry to the Brownsville, Texas, port of entry.

`(B) PRIORITY AREAS- With respect to the border described--

`(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), the Secretary shall ensure that an interlocking surveillance camera system is installed along such area by May 30, 2007, and that fence construction is completed by May 30, 2008; and

`(ii) in subparagraph (A)(v), the Secretary shall ensure that fence construction from 15 miles northwest of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry to 15 southeast of the Laredo, Texas, port of entry is completed by December 31, 2008.

1.2 Billion has been alloted towards building the fence.But it can also be used for other border projects.It could be built with donations from concerned Americans like the fence the Minute Men are building on private ranches along the border,it is already being built as we speak.

Answer 10

It certainly is symbolc, but it'll keep those damned illigeal Mexicans out of the country. (Even if it isn't 100% effective--which i assume it won't be--it will make a big difference.)