Texas Mayors propose widening Rio Grande vs. building fence to block illegal immigrants. What do you think?

Question

Widening waterway would deter illegals & prevent Texan ranchers from having waterways cut off from there farms. It sends a better message to Mexico as well. Texas & Mexico show support. The Border Patrol shows some support as well. This sounds like a positive step to take. Some say increased drowning risk, but they would be hurt trying to cross the proposed fence as well. What do you think?

What do you think is the better option?

Answer 1

I think that is an excellent idea.

Answer 2

Widen the river? That will not help, esp in times of drought.
No, the fence is the first step for Texas, but not the last. The Federal government is doing something (at last) but there is so much more. I heard one of the Hawk copters was recently used in a combined effort with the border patrol.
Now THAT'S more like it.
Before 9-11, illegal aliens were an economic advantage for businesses and a pink slip for many Americans. It is so much easier for small business owners to pay cash under the table to someeone they pick up each day to do simple tasks. No medicare, or workman's comp, or sick leave, or any taxes are paid for this person. No social security, but when he gets hurt and taken to the ER, then suddenly he is given free services before deportation. Don't worry, he knows how to get back when he is well again.
I have heard it all about how the fence will cut through people's property. So the US should give them more land elsewhere or let them become part of Mexico, their choice. After all, what sane person would live on the border of Mexico? There are so many who benefit from illegal trade around the border, the imports would jump skyhigh.
Honestly, fence or roaring river, those determined enough will find a way. There will always be the law, the poor, the cheaters, and those tragecally caught in the middle of it all.
So yes, I would say do both, and then some.

Answer 3

The widening of the river wouldn't be a great idea. If you can swim 50 yards you can swim 500. To widen the river would just eat up a lot of the taxpayers money. The true solution would still be in the hands of the mexican government. If all mexicans had a good and prosperous life, there would be no need to risk a border crossing. It would be better for the U.S. to help mexico grow economically to help mexicans earn a decent living and just come to america as rich mexican tourists!

Answer 4

A fence would essentially alter the border, not to mention take up valuable land for a "buffer zone." Working on the river sounds best.

A person crossing illegally always risks their life as property owners could shoot them, or they could be victims of sun and heat.

Answer 5

Then we can add Mexico to the list of "boat people" along with Cuba, Haiti, etc...
I second the idea to help Mexico become a place where Mexicans would want to STAY.

Answer 6

Put up the fence, keep them out.
dont just "deter" them.
I live in Houston and deal with illegal immigrant issues every day. There are so many things wrong that we have to deal with, there just is not enough time to list it all.

Answer 7

Thats the great theory I'e heard in a lengthy time period. properly, second wonderful. the great changed into for Congress to declare Cheney and GWB "enemy combatents" and then enable them dissappear into Gitmo. that would sole yet another challenge--something of the international woud then BEG us now to not close Gitmo!

Answer 8

It would only work for a while until new ways to get across came about

Answer 9

Sounds like a great opportunity to open up stand to sell life jackets

Answer 10

I think interior enforcement, particularly against employers, is far more critical at this point.