Improving the United States Custom and Border Protection Agency Alden, E. W. (2012). Immigration and Border Control. Cato Journal, 32(1), 37-46

Like Polner, in Coordinated Border Management: From Theory to Practice, the author of this particular article identifies the need to ensure that border security benefits the economy of the country. In so doing, he seeks ways of making "border security compatible with a sensible immigration system that strengthens the U.S. economy rather than weakens it." Unlike the other authors listed in tis text, Winter also gives a brief history of U.S. border patrol. This article will come in handy as I seek to highlight the consequences of the border security enforcement approaches in place currently. The article also outlines the various strategies that could be utilized in seeking to further enhance the flexibility as well as effectiveness of border security in the future. Its relevance cannot, therefore, be overstated.

Bullock, J.A., Haddow, G.D. & Coppola, D.P. (2012). Introduction to Homeland Security: Principles of all-Hazards Risk Management (4th ed.). New York, NY: Elsevier

The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is, according to Bullock, Haddow, and Coppola, "the only agency responsible for protecting the sovereign borders of the United States at and between the official POE." This book will come in hand as I seek to understand and familiarize myself with the structure, mandate, and functions of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. As the authors of this book point out, CBP remains one of the most complex and largest components of the Department of Homeland Security. It is important to note that the authors have in the past written a number of textbooks on homeland security. They, therefore, have the relevant experience and knowhow necessary to pursue a subject as complicated and wide as homeland security.

Gutierrez, E., Juett, J. & Kiekintveld, C. (2013). Generating Effective Patrol Strategies to Enhance U.S. Border Security. Journal of Strategic Security, 6(3), 152-159.

The relevance of securing America's borders against the entry of illegal goods and people cannot be overstated. This remains the mandate of the United States Customs and Border protection Agency. As the authors of this particular article point out, due to resource constraints, it may not be possible for the U.S. government to have round-the-clock surveillance at every point along our country's border. This is despite the fact that those keen on breaching the country's borders continue to explore ways of outsmarting the system. It is for this reason that decision makers and analysts are faced with the question of the best way to allocate available resources at not only tactical, but also strategic levels to further enhance border security. The authors in this case make use of a "game-theoretic framework coupled with simulation...

To their credit, the authors of this particular article also recognize the contributions of others who have studied border patrol enhancement strategies including autonomous robots, police patrols, etc.
Jimenez, V. (2013). On the Fence: Sustaining National Security and Defending Environmental Laws at the U.S. -- Mexico Border. Seattle Journal of Environmental Law, 3(1), 41-69

Many strategies have been proposed in the past in relation to how best to secure our nation's borders. According to the author of this article, "in particular, commentators continually question the effectiveness and value of the U.S. Border Patrol's operations along the southern United States border." It should be noted that in an attempt to limit illegal immigration, the U.S. has in the past implemented a wide range of measures which include, but they are not limited to, erecting of walls and fences, placement of cameras and enhancement of patrols. Regardless of these measures, however, the author points out that the U.S. still grapples with the problem of illegal immigration. This article will come in handy as I seek to highlight the drastic measures that have been adopted by the United States government in an attempt to secure the country's borders. The article will also enable me to explore how the various departments charged with securing our nation's borders, i.e. the United States Custom and Border Protection Agency, can partner with other governmental agencies to create relationships that are mutually beneficial.

Polner, M. (2013). Coordinated Border Management: From Theory to Practice. World Customs Journal, 5(2), 49-64

It should be noted that although the U.S. has a valid mandate to protect its borders, it does not exist in isolation and does indeed share boarders with other countries. It is for this reason that it should be open to coordinated border management efforts which, according to the authors of this article, focus on "improved regulatory efficiency and effectiveness ... through greater coordination between border agencies during policy development and operational activities, both domestically and internationally." This paper will come in handy as I seek to explore whether the United States Custom and Border Patrol Agency can partner with other cross-border agencies to develop practical border arrangements that do not stifle social development and economic growth. This is a well-developed article that draws from various sources. Being a research analyst at the WCO Research and Strategic Unit, the author of this article is competent enough to exhaustively explore the subject matter.

Skerry, M. (2011). Protect America by Being Unique:…