Increased border security would keep this youngster at home where he belongs, and would also help do away with the smugglers (coyotes) who prey on the immigrants and charge them exorbitant sums to lead them across desolate deserts undetected. Along with increased border security, it makes good sense to strengthen the Customs Department and streamline the immigration process for legal immigrants who choose to follow the rules when they enter the country. This would allow more productive citizens to enter the country, while increased security would stem the unchecked flow of illegal immigrants into the country. The main purpose of increased security at the borders should be to stop illegal and threatening activity, not to simply turn away illegal immigrants. Increased security should ensure that drug and terrorist activity is severely limited, and that Americans are safer in their country, rather than more vulnerable to terrorist activity and attack.

Finally, in areas where increased border security already exits, there have been far fewer illegal immigrant entries, illegal crimes committed at the border, and fewer drug shipments coming through this area. The Mexican border in San Diego is one example. Author Nevins continues, "No longer do large crowds of migrants and smugglers gather along the boundary waiting to cross at nightfall. Similarly, the days of 'banzai runs' -- when groups of unauthorized immigrants run through the ports of entry -- are gone" (Nevins 130). This indicates that increased security does make our borders safer, and that both borders, north with Canada and south with Mexico, could benefit from increased security. Terrorist who despise the United States will stop at nothing to gain entrance to the...

Increased border security can keep that from occurring and help keep Americans safer in their own country.
In conclusion, securing the borders is necessary for a number of compelling reasons. It will help keep the nation more secure from terrorists and other threats. It will also help stem the tide of illegal immigrants flowing across the border. These illegal immigrants cost the country billions in health care, education, and criminal justice costs, and stopping the flow will help the country both economically and socially. Americans must support the border fence and stronger measures for border security and the entire border must remain secured in the future. Immigration policy should see some reform, and it should be more friendly to immigrants attempting the enter the country through the preferred legal channels. However, the immigration policy must strongly address security of the nation's borders as well. America's safety and security depends on it.

References

Coleman, Michael. "The Economics of Security - the Price of Preparedness." World and I June 2002: 20.

Editors. "Border Fence Project." BorderFenceProject.com. 2007. 28 April 2007. http://www.borderfenceproject.com/

Harman, Danna. "South of the Border: Fence is no Deterrent." Christian Science Monitor. 2006. 28 April 2007. http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0329/p01s03-woam.html

Nevins, Joseph. Operation Gatekeeper: The Rise of the "Illegal Alien" and the Making of the U.S.-Mexico Boundary. New York: Routledge, 2002.

Big Mama, Big Switch; Immigration 'Reformers' Need to Be Whipped into Shape." The Washington Times 16 June 2006: A19.