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United States & Mexico Border Security Strategies Comparative Analysis
Researcher: Cristian Martinez
Mentor: Caesar Sereseres
School of Social Science
International Studies
UROP Symposium
May 31, 2008
I. Background
1920: Anti-Immigrant Panic
1940: Temporary-Worker Program
1950: Border Crossing-Threat to National Security
US-Mexico Border
San Diego, CA
Brownsville, TX
Extends over 1,290 miles
II. Statement of the Problem Region affected by transnational flows:
• Tourism &Trade• Organized Crime & Violence• Unauthorized Migration• Terrorist Threats
US border security spending has more than doubled in the past 5 years
• FY 2001: 4.8 Billion • FY 2007: 10.9 Billion
IV. Research Questions
Identify current United States and Mexico border security strategies and policies
Assess the effects that border security policies and operations have on United States-Mexico bilateral relations
Examine initiatives necessary to create effective border security
III. Research Goals
Comparative analysis of the United States and Mexico strategies to secure the shared border
Assess border security policies and operations necessary for effective border security
V. Methodology Research Methods
• Policy assessment • Structured and semi-structured
Interviews Participants
• US and Mexico scholars and public officials
Site Selection • California-Mexico border region
VI. US Policy Assessment
Secure Border Initiative - 2005• Infrastructure • Technology-based security • Increased manpower• Estimated cost
SBI: Proposed Two-Layer Fence
VII. US Policy Assessment
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007
• Infrastructure • Technology-based security • Increased manpower• Temporary-Worker Program
Virtual and Physical Fence
Vehicle Barriers
Double Fencing
Surveillance Camera
Ditch
..,
Motion & Underground tunneling detectors
..………….
Ditch
Fence
Fence
Surveillance Camera
Apprehensions in San Diego Sector (FY 1992-2004)
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
FY1992
FY1994
FY1996
FY1998
FY2000
FY2002
FY2004
Apprehensions
VIII. US Policy Critiques Physical Barriers
• Very costly: up to $3 million per mile• Inefficient
– Diverts unauthorized migration elsewhere
Technology- based security• Too costly: up to $16 billion for 750 mi.• Dependent on manpower (GAO)
Apprehensions in Southwest Region(FY 1992-2004)
0
200000
400000
600000
800000
1000000
1200000
1400000
1600000
1800000
FY1992 FY1995
FY1998
FY2001
FY2004
Apprehensions
IX. Mexico Policy Assessment
Post 9/11 Border Security National Plan of Development
• Organized crime State of the Union Address
• “Rather than creating a bridge, creating a wall” – President Calderon
Ministry of Foreign Relations • Temporary - Worker Program• Secure human rights
X. Bilateral Efforts“Securing the border should be a shared
responsibility” – President Calderon
Smart Border Agreement- 2002 Security and Prosperity Partnership
(SPP) - 2005 Merida Initiative- 2007
XI. Interview Matrix- ScholarsInterview Questions
United States Mexico
Define border security
Economics vs Politics Economics vs Politics
Interests , concerns, and discrepancies
Organized crimeUnauthorized migration
Organized crimeEconomic prosperity
Describe effective border security
Technology strategiesTemporary - Worker ProgramLimited physical barrier
Technology strategies Temporary – Worker ProgramNo physical barrier
Bilateral efforts recommended
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act
Comprehensive Immigration Reform ActMerida Initiative
XII. Interview Matrix - Public OfficialsInterview Questions
United States Mexico
Define border security
Fight against:Organized crimeTerrorist threatUnauthorized migration
Fight against:Organized crimePotential for:Economic prosperity
Border security effectiveness
Physical- effectiveTechnology-based security- effective
Physical-IneffectiveTechnology-based security-effective
Recommended action
Fight organized crimePhysical & technology based security
Fight organized crimeTemporary - Worker Program
Bilateral efforts recommendations
Merida InitiativeSecure Border Initiative
Merida InitiativeComprehensive Immigration Reform Act
Interview Analyses
Recognizing unauthorized migration as an economic phenomenon
• Temporary Worker Program Mutual security concern
• Combating organized crime Interest in technology-based security
XIII. Conclusions Policy and interview analyses indicate
a bilateral rather than unilateral approach will create a more secure and efficient border
Policy recommendations include• Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Act of 2007• Merida Initiative
XIV. Significance of the Study
Reinforce bilateral agreements Develop policy that deals with
migration as an economic phenomenon
Support technology-based border security for the fight against organized crime and the threat of terrorism
XV. Research Limitations Limitations
• Access to Mexico policy resources • Lack of participants• Shortage of time
Considerations• Establish more contacts • Conduct more interviews• Continue research
Thank You!
Questions?