Fighting the Hydra: America's Southern Border and National Security
Abstract
The United States government s effort to secure America from the threat of terrorist attacks requires a defense in depth strategy that utilizes the available elements of national power. The wielding of these capabilities without infringing on individual rights requires careful consideration and debate. The border with Mexico is a significant source of weakness for the United States and is an avenue of approach open to terrorist and terrorist sympathizers. The Border Patrol s increasingly frequent interception of individuals with direct or potential terrorist links and the growing coordination of infiltration methods require a change in United States policy. The actions necessary to improve the security of the country will have a direct impact on politically sensitive issues such as illegal immigration. This paper evaluates the complexities of the southern border that have clouded the implementation of the security measures necessary to protect America. Allowing partisan concerns and public opinion to influence national security policy can undermine the safety of the country and its citizens. The United States government must demonstrate the resolution necessary to implement potentially contentious changes that will enhance the safety of America.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553254
Entities
People
- George G. Malkasian
Organizations
- United States Army War College