Build the Wall

Introduction

The halting of border wall construction under the Biden administration has not only squandered billions of taxpayer dollars but has also left the United States vulnerable to unchecked illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. Construction materials rusting away at unfinished sites are a testament to a failure of policy and priorities. The Trump administration, upon returning to office, will immediately resume construction of the wall, drawing on funds from the national security budget if Congress does not allocate additional resources. Where geographic conditions render a wall impractical, the administration will deploy a combination of human and electronic resources to secure the border. The time to act is now—building the wall is not just a campaign slogan but a national security imperative.

Background: The Case for the Wall

The idea of a border wall is not new; it has been a cornerstone of immigration control for decades. Congress authorized fencing along the southern border in 2006 through the Secure Fence Act, which enjoyed bipartisan support. However, efforts to expand and modernize the wall have faced political resistance, particularly under Democratic administrations. The Trump administration made significant progress, constructing or reinforcing nearly 500 miles of wall, but this effort was abruptly halted under Biden.

The impact of halting construction has been devastating. Materials already paid for were left unused, costing taxpayers billions in wasted resources. Meanwhile, border crossings surged to historic levels, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reporting over 2.4 million encounters at the southern border in 2022 alone. The absence of physical barriers in key areas has emboldened cartels and human traffickers, who exploit gaps in the border for illicit operations.

Why the Wall Matters

A border wall is more than just a physical barrier; it is a critical tool for national security, economic stability, and the rule of law.

National Security

The wall serves as a first line of defense against threats such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and potential terrorist infiltration. Fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, is often trafficked through gaps in the border, contributing to an overdose epidemic that claimed over 100,000 American lives in 2021 alone. By closing these gaps, the wall disrupts the supply chains of criminal organizations.

Economic Stability

Illegal immigration imposes significant costs on American taxpayers, including increased spending on healthcare, education, and social services. A study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that illegal immigration costs the U.S. approximately $150 billion annually. The wall reduces these costs by curbing illegal entries, ensuring that public resources are directed toward citizens and legal residents.

Rule of Law

A nation that cannot control its borders cannot enforce its laws. The wall sends a clear message that the United States values its sovereignty and will not tolerate illegal crossings. It also supports legal immigration by ensuring that the system is orderly and fair, rather than overwhelmed by unlawful entries.

Addressing Practical Challenges

Critics often argue that a wall is impractical due to geographic challenges or technological limitations. While it is true that certain areas of the border, such as mountainous regions, are not conducive to wall construction, these challenges can be addressed with a comprehensive strategy:

1. Human Resources
   Deploy additional CBP agents and National Guard personnel to patrol areas where a wall is not feasible.
2. Electronic Surveillance
   Utilize advanced technologies such as drones, motion sensors, and thermal imaging to monitor remote areas and detect illegal crossings.
3. Smart Barriers
   Incorporate innovative solutions, such as steel bollards with embedded sensors, to enhance security in areas where traditional walls are impractical.

Funding the Wall

One of the key obstacles to wall construction has been funding. The Biden administration redirected appropriated funds to other projects, leaving the border wall incomplete. The Trump administration will prioritize the wall by:

• Using the National Security Budget
  Allocate funds from the Department of Defense to resume construction immediately, recognizing the wall as a national security necessity.
• Engaging Congress
  Advocate for additional funding through legislative action, emphasizing the economic and security benefits of a completed wall.
• Public-Private Partnerships
  Explore opportunities for partnerships with private entities to fund specific sections of the wall, similar to existing infrastructure projects.

Libertarian and Populist Perspectives

The border wall aligns with both libertarian and populist values, addressing concerns about government overreach while prioritizing the interests of ordinary Americans.

Libertarian Values

From a libertarian standpoint, the wall minimizes the need for intrusive government surveillance by creating a physical barrier that reduces illegal crossings. It also protects taxpayers from bearing the financial burdens associated with illegal immigration.

Populist Priorities

Populists see the wall as a defense of American workers and communities against the economic and social impacts of illegal immigration. By securing the border, the government prioritizes the needs of citizens over the interests of political elites and multinational corporations.

Proposals for Immediate Action

To ensure the successful completion of the border wall, the administration should implement the following measures:

1. Audit Existing Resources
   Assess unused materials and construction sites to resume work efficiently and minimize waste.
2. Fast-Track Construction
   Streamline regulatory approvals to expedite wall construction in critical areas.
3. Expand Partnerships with Border States
   Collaborate with state governments to coordinate construction efforts and address local concerns.
4. Deploy Integrated Security Systems
   Combine physical barriers with advanced technology to create a multilayered defense.
5. Engage the Public
   Launch a public awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of the wall, counter misinformation, and build public support.

Addressing Counterarguments

Opponents of the wall often claim that it is a symbol of xenophobia or that it will be ineffective. These criticisms fail to address the realities of border security:

• Symbolism vs. Functionality
  While the wall has symbolic significance, its primary purpose is practical: to deter illegal crossings and enhance security.
• Effectiveness
  Data from CBP shows that areas with physical barriers experience significantly fewer illegal crossings compared to open sections of the border.
• Alternatives
  Critics propose alternative solutions, such as increased immigration enforcement or economic aid to migrant-sending countries. While these measures have merit, they are not mutually exclusive with wall construction.

Conclusion

The border wall is not merely a construction project; it is a cornerstone of national security, economic stability, and the rule of law. By resuming and completing the wall, the Trump administration can restore order to the southern border, disrupt criminal networks, and protect American communities. This approach balances libertarian principles of limited government with populist priorities of defending the working class.

The wall is a tangible solution to a complex problem, demonstrating America’s commitment to sovereignty and security. It is time to finish what was started and build the wall.