Posted by
JJL on Saturday, February 02, 2008 8:09:01 AM
Over the past several months, I have found myself more interested and involved in Presidential campaign politics than at any time in my life. I have kept abreast of the daily news, read the blogs, listened to the talking heads on Fox, MSNBC and CNN and watched a few of the debates. After a while it all kinds of runs together in a giant mush of static. Some of the commentary is insightful and a few of the politicians will say something of interest, but by and large the information is generic and lacks any serious depth of analysis. With 80% of Americans currently dissatisfied with the current congress, one would expect a more serious and lively discussion of the issues facing the country.
The one issue that has received a tremendous amount of coverage and visceral debate on both sides of the aisle relates to illegal immigration. From the open border crowd on the left to the vigilante militia groups on the right, the issue seems to spark serious and intense discussion across the board. President Bush's and the Congresses attempt to solve the problem through the legislation proposed by John McCain and Edward Kennedy was an absolute disaster. The legislation demonstrated a fundamental lack of understanding for the will of the American people and the proper way of solving this problem. Currently, we are still at first base in this debate and unless we take a serious look at the problem, it is likely that similarly flawed legislation will creep its way back into the Congress.
Why am I qualified to discuss this topic? First, I was born and raised in Southern California. I have been a first hand witness to the influx of Mexican nationals into our state. Just a few blocks from my house a group of Mexican day laborers would line-up every day to get picked up for work. I speak fluent Spanish, and have many Mexican friends and associates. After college I worked for four years as a Human Resources Manager and dealt first hand with the convoluted maze of documentation to work in this country. Both of the companies where I worked had workforces that were 99% Hispanic. We tried our best to verify documents and confirm Social Security numbers, but I am sure there were many workers who slipped by. The ease of obtaining a false resident alien card is astonishing. As an employer, I had a little booklet provided by the US Government that would act as my guide. I also would call in the Social Security numbers to verify authenticity, but that was only effective if the card or number was a fake. Many times they would use the legitimate social security card of a friend or relative mixed with fake resident alien card. It is probably the most difficult combination to thwart. As for fear of a penalty or reprisal from the Government? I had a clear conscience because, I personally was making a valid effort and completing the I-9 forms. If we were ever raided I was very comfortable with our efforts.
After working in that capacity for a few years I was offered a position with the FBI as a Special Agent. I was assigned to a drug trafficking squad in McAllen, Texas and any illusions I had regarding the security of our border were instantly vanquished. I spent 3 1/2 years on the border. I share a little personal information, so you can get a little context for my viewpoint.
How wide open is the border?
Let's look at a the numbers:
In 2005 approximately 1.2 million illegal aliens were detained by the Border Patrol.
86% of all apprehensions were of Mexican nationals.
This is a good link below to some of the data:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/ois_apprehensions_fs_2004.pdf
What about drug trafficking?
FY 2004 Seizure Information
Illegal drug seizures by CBP officers at official ports of entry: More than 47,744 seizures, totaling 844,222 pounds, worth nearly $1 billion, including:
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- 10,514 Marijuana seizures, totaling 652,788 lbs.
- 7,015 Khat seizures, totaling 128,829 lbs.
- 2,095 Cocaine seizures totaling 44,560 lbs.
- 631 Heroin seizures, totaling 2,840 lbs.
- 27,489 Other seizures of illegal drugs, totaling 15,205 lbs.
Illegal drug seizures by CBP Border Patrol agents between ports of entry: More than 8,577 seizures totaling 1,355,397 pounds – worth an estimated $1.62 billion, including:
- 7,299 Marijuana seizures, totaling 1,339,100 lbs.
- 510 Cocaine seizures, totaling 14,222 lbs.
- 54 Heroin seizures, totaling 134 lbs.
- 714 Other seizures of illegal drugs, totaling 1,941 lbs. and over 110,000 dosage units
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- http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/2005_press_releases/012005/01112005_2.xml
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- Remember, these numbers only represent seizures by the Border Patrol and Customs Agents at the Port of Entries. The numbers significantly increase if you include all of the seizures by city, state and Federal agencies of drugs that already made it into the country.
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I provide just a few of the numbers, so we can all step back and realize that this is a problem of gargantuan proportions. How could this have possibly gone on year after year after year?
1. The Democrats love illegal aliens, because they see them as potential voters.
2. The Republicans have loved the cheap labor.
That is the only explanation for a public policy of an open border that we have has for the last 40 years. Yes, our policy has been a wide OPEN BORDER!
For me the solution is very complex. Much more complex than simply building a border wall.
Because of my capacity with the Spanish language, job assignments and travels through Mexico I have an insight into the Mexican people, that makes me want to find a solution that will benefit both of our countries. How bad are things in Mexico right now circa 2008? As bad as they have ever been. This is a link to a typical news story from Mexico over the last few years.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5322160.stm
Heads are rolling all over the country as blood and violence are occurring every day. The violence, political corruption and ruthlessness of the drug cartels has never been more fierce.
These are just a few thoughts I have that will hopefully spark a discussion. I am interested in other points of view and thoughts regarding out neighbor to the south.
What is the strategic advantage to the United States of a lawless Mexico? What will happen within Mexico if we are able to lock down the border? What are the ramifications for the region?
Food for thought. All I know is the current congress doesn't have a clue regarding this issue.