(Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)

It should be no surprise to many that the border between the United States and Mexico has been a hotly debated topic in recent years. But recently, there have been several bills proposed to crack down on the flow of immigrants who are entering the U.S. illegally. Specifically, “$20 billion in border investments, including for hiring new asylum and border patrol officials, expanding the capacity of detention facilities and increasing screenings for fentanyl and other illicit drugs” (Demirjian 2024) is part of a $118 Billion Deal for Ukraine and the border. With this bill, mechanisms will be set in place that can cease the flow of immigrants if the number of migrants reaches 5,000 migrants per day (Caldewell, Meyer, Raji 2024).

While these are steps in the right direction, I still believe that there needs to be a tighter hold on the border. According to Homeland Security, there has been a 40% increase in the number of encounters at the border since 2022. So, while a limit on the daily number of migrants allowed into the U.S. has been established, this may create a green light for immigrants to flood the United States. Furthermore, those who are not able to make the 5,000 per day quota may simply be moving down the line and entering the country illegally regardless. This is where stricter control of the border would be crucial. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been outspoken on this topic stating that “we are here to send a loud and clear message that we are banding together to fight to ensure that we will be able to maintain our constitutional guarantee that states will be able to defend against any type of imminent danger”. 

The large amount of illegal immigration is something the Republican Party is eager to put front and center in the upcoming election year. Although the $118 Billion Deal for Ukraine and the border is progress to a more secure border, there are still flaws that need to be addressed. That’s not to say that the border will ever be 100% secure, but 2.5 million encounters at the border (U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2023) is too high of a number. Among these illegal immigrants, there could be anyone, including terrorists. It is understood that a majority of these people are not terrorists but people and families looking for more opportunities and a better life. But with that said, crossing into the United States should be done legally at a designated border crossing zone and not done illegally. 

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