In an effort to calm the tension between states along the US-Mexico border and the Obama administration, the administration had agreed to deploy 1,200 troops along the border to prevent illegal administration. The governors of those states are in disagreement with those numbers. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has been given 524 troops, which is more than twice as many given to Texas, California or New Mexico, but she feels this is still inadequate. Under the plan, Texas will get 250 guards, even though it has 60% of the US-Mexico border, while Arizona has only 17% percent. Currently, the Obama administration has plans to sue Arizona over a law requiring police to check the immigration status of someone who has been stopped for another crime. While the governors of California and New Mexico are not as unhappy with the troop allocations, Texas and Arizona say that their problem is immediate, due to the high crime rate along their border. In 2009, Tucson, Arizona saw the arrest of 241,000 illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border, according to Homeland Security. That number is down 36% since 2007. Arizona senator John McCain is working toward bringing 3,000 troops to the borders of Arizona and Texas.
The illegal immigration issue on the US’ southern border has become a national tragedy. While most immigrants come to this country legally, a growing number attempt to cross the border and gain residence illegally. Many of them, by some estimates as much as 80%, are actually felons or are trying to smuggle drugs from South America. The crime rate along the border itself has a direct impact on the American citizens who live in that area. Not only are their lives in danger from violent criminals, but they must also pay for the costs of police, prosecution, etc. It is easy to understand the frustration of Arizona residents who support the new law and are about to be sued by the Federal government who they believe has failed them. At least the Obama administration should give these states the number of troops they feel they need to guard the border while the other issues, such as granting amnesty to those already here illegally, are being worked out.
Stein, Perry. "Arizona, Texas Call for More Border Troops." The Wall Street Journal. 30 June 2010.
I personally think that the Arizona law that requires immigration status to be checked makes sense. How is checking immigration status any different than a background check of a criminal record? What needs to be changed is the way we deal with the innocent people who are being smuggled into the country, only looking for work and family. These people should be put in a program that integrated them into the American population; such as learning English, understanding the government system, and pledging their loyalty to the United States. If truly 80% of those coming over are felons, then the innocent should have little to fear. I agree with you on the battle over the allocation of troops. A state should be able to request the amount of troops it needs in order to feel safe, all after federal inspection, of course.
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