Despite the passage of the Secure Fence Act of 2006, questions abound regarding the measure – specifically regarding whether or not the building of the fence will ever actually be undertaken, how it will be funded, and whether or not the project will adversely affect commerce or foreign relations with Mexico.
“This bill will help protect the American people. This bill will make our borders more secure. It is an important step toward immigration reform,” said President George W. Bush, shortly after signing the measure into law in 2006.
“It’s a good concept but from previous historical experiences we know that it doesn’t work. He’s focusing too much on the south border when he should also be focusing on the northern border,” said Amelia Guzman, a communication major.”Most of the people that come in from the south are coming to work …to do the work that Americans don’t want to do,” said Guzman.
“In reality it’s not gonna do any good … it’s not gonna change things. People are still gonna do the same things,” said freshman Leslie Vela.
Jesus De Luna, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent enrolled at the university, suggested a wider perspective on the issue.
“I think that it’s a good idea because we need to think about not only the immigration problem but the terrorism problem now and the narcotics problem,” said De Luna.
Furthermore, he added the funneling effect created by a border fence would serve to greatly enhance Border Patrol’s ability to best utilize its limited manpower.
The law, as passed, requires that 30 miles of fencing be constructed in the Laredo area alone -15 miles northwest and 15 miles southeast of Laredo by December 2008.
In September 2006, the Laredo City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the construction of the border fence.