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Posted by: Marc Demshock

Decrease In Illegal Apprehensions: Are you sure?

According to the U.S. Border Patrol there is no way to measure the number of people who try to sneak into the U.S. from Mexico each year. However, federal officials still consider border arrests a key indicator of how many people are attempting to cross the border. The U.S. Border Patrol estimates that the number of apprehensions dropped 17% between October 1, 2007 and March 31st, 2008 when compared to that same time span in 2006 to 2007.

To what can we attribute the decrease in illegal immigrants apprehended? The Border Patrol and some experts argue that tougher measures and a greater number of agents on the ground are the deciding factors in discouraging border crossings. Other experts cite tougher state laws, especially in Arizona. Economists point out that the state of the U.S. economy, particularly the ailing housing industry are detracting from potential illegal aliens.

The primary motivation for illegal immigrants to enter the United States is for economic opportunity. If the magnet is not here, Illegal aliens will not be attracted. The U.S. –Mexico labor markets is one of the most efficient models of the law of supply and demand. If the demand goes down in the U.S., the supply of people coming from Mexico goes down.

The tougher economic conditions plus enhanced border enforcement provide a formidable foe for any illegal alien wishing to come to the United States. The DHS has significantly increased the number of agents on the ground and augmented security by erecting vehicle barriers, pedestrian fences, and cameras at the border.

Still despite the Government’s claims of reduced illegal alien border apprehensions, one must ask the question, how do we know for sure whether apprehensions are on the decrease? How do we measure the government’s success? Are the apprehensions on the decrease because we are failing to catch illegal aliens?

This point is….two sure fire ways exist that guarantees the decrease of the amount of illegal immigration. First, take the magnets away. Business should be regulated and punished to such a degree, for immigration offenses, that they are too scared to offer jobs to illegal aliens. Secondly, build the double layered fence as per the Secure Fence Act of 2006. The double layered fence track record in San Diego proves that securing our nations borders with a double layered fence is the best way to stop illegal aliens from running rampant across our borders.

Steve and Ron will be delivering Restore the Secure Fence Act petitions to Capital Hill in a few weeks. Please sign the petition here!