Texas Governor Canidates Speak on Illegal Immigration and Human Smuggling

Although Perry and White are running against each other for Texas Governor, they can agree on one thing: Something must be done for security in Texas to counter the human smuggling and illegal immigration. The article reminds the reader of the estimated costs for illegal immigration and why something must be done.

“Illegal immigrants annually cost Texas taxpayers an estimated $8.8 billion in public education, medical, law enforcement and assistance programs, according to the nonprofit public interest organization Federation for American Immigration Reform. It is a cost that both candidates agree cannot be reined in without federal help. “All the secondary issues related to immigration laws are not even worth discussing until the federal government gets serious about border security,” Perry said.”[1]

With this in mind, both candidates have spoken out against passing a similar law such as the one Arizona has, although both have their different positions.  Perry believes that Texas needs to enforce a modified version of the SB 1070 Arizona has, but try to not offend the Mexican business people who come here on legitimate business. White, however, opposes this law completely, citing human rights and discrimination concerns. Both agree, though, that this cannot be just a state decision anymore. Both believe the federal government must step in and assist with costs or assist with protection.

Comments:
Whoever wins this election, be it Perry or White, there may be a crackdown on illegal immigration. Texas is also reaching the breaking point on attempting to take on the immigrants from not just Mexico, but from other nations. So there has to be something done by someone, both of them believe. Whoever voters end up electing, there may be a strong crackdown upon their first day in office, since this topic is high priority. 

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[1] http://www.reporternews.com/news/2010/oct/02/border-security-on-the-line/

Border Patrol Discovers Additional Tunnels into U.S.

Oct. 2nd 2010

The Border Patrol has discovered yet more tunnels along the United States/Mexico border. This indicates that smugglers are coming up with yet more creative ways to smuggle goods and people along the border. The article explains that the Border Patrol covers each hole they find, but as they find out, these tunnels are not so easy to stop.

“Over the last four years, at least 51 unauthorized tunnels, or more than one a month, have been found in the two border cities. Some are short, narrow passageways that require those navigating them to slither. Others are long, sophisticated underground thoroughfares strung with electric cables and ventilation hoses”.[1]

The article also refers to the city of Nolgales, saying “the city handed over patrol duties to the Border Patrol, which has installed underground cameras and motion detectors.” [2] It also trails off, implying that the discoveries made now are only beginning. 

Comments:

The Border Patrol is correct in assuming that these tunnels that they have seen are only the few they can find; even with underground technology, one cannot find all the tunnels simply because it is too much for our forces to find. There may be tunnels everyone else, but terrain conditions are not very favorable for tunnels here in the South Texas, with exception to the Starr County area, as the rest of the Valley is either flood-prone or is buried with wildlife and the Rio Grande River that no one allows to be disturbed.

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[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/us/03tunnels.html?_r=1

[2] http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/us/03tunnels.html?_r=1

U.N Weighs in on Illegal Immigration

Sept. 30 2010

The U.N has spoken its’ peace about human smuggling and illegal immigration. Amid the turmoil that both aspects have caused to not only South Texas, but to other countries, they have said the following: 

"This is a reminder that while states are entitled to regulate movement across their borders they must do so in accordance with their obligations under international law including international human rights law. The statement said irregular migrants were particularly vulnerable to abuse. Governments too often treated them purely in terms of national security, often driven by hostile domestic political pressures”.[1]

The article went on to discuss how the U.N believes that states such as Arizona should take national and international law into consideration before going and making laws against illegal immigration. They also directed their remarks towards other nations as well. 

Comment: Since the U.N does not carry much weight as the opinion of the citizens of the states involved, as well as the federal government, this does not have much impact other than that now, illegal immigration has international interest and attention, and seemingly, cases around the world, not just Arizona or Texas, are being pulled into the spotlight. Perhaps this will shine light upon the need to create comprehensive immigration reform.

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[1] http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-51850420100930