The Adverse Impacts of Unsecured Borders

Compromised Election Integrity
Both illegal aliens and illegal immigrants pose a significant threat to the integrity of elections. The electoral process relies on accurate voter registration and the participation of eligible citizens. When illegal aliens and non-citizens participate in voting, it undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust in election outcomes. Reports of undocumented persons or non-citizens voting, whether through foreign interference, intentional fraud, or administrative oversights, highlight the vulnerabilities in the system. Ensuring that only legally registered citizens vote is crucial for maintaining the legitimacy of elections and upholding political, social, and economic stability.

 

The Downside of Ignoring the Vetted Asylum-Seeking Process
The asylum-seeking process is designed to protect individuals fleeing persecution while ensuring that those granted asylum are thoroughly vetted. Bypassing this process through illegal entry undermines the integrity of the system and allows individuals who might not meet the criteria for asylum to remain in the country. This not only discredits the asylum process but also diverts resources from those who genuinely need protection. A rigorous and orderly asylum process is essential to maintain fairness and security.  

 

Refugee Policy
Reforming the refugee policy to involve other countries in selecting and accepting refugees post-asylum approval offers significant benefits. This collaborative approach ensures a more equitable distribution of refugees, alleviating the burden on any single nation. By participating in this process, countries can vet applicants thoroughly, ensuring they meet specific criteria such as verified origins, professional qualifications, and health standards. This not only enhances the security and integration prospects of refugees but also maximizes their potential contributions to their new communities. Additionally, such a system promotes international solidarity and shared responsibility, fostering a more humane and efficient global response to the refugee crisis.

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Social Contract
The concept of the social contract, as it relates to immigration, emphasizes the mutual understanding and agreement between immigrants and the host country. From this perspective, individuals should ideally immigrate to countries where they share common values, cultural norms, and religious beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion. This alignment helps in the seamless integration of immigrants into the societal fabric of the host nation. Conversely, it is advisable that individuals avoid immigrating to countries whose values, customs, and religious practices starkly contrast with their own, as this misalignment can lead to social friction and personal dissatisfaction. Crucially, the social contract entails a commitment from immigrants to adhere to the laws and customs of the host country, respecting its established norms and contributing positively to its community. In return, the host country and its citizens accept the responsibility of providing a supportive and inclusive environment, ensuring that the rights and contributions of immigrants are recognized and valued.

 

Public Safety Risks
Illegal aliens will negatively impact public safety. Without proper documentation and background checks, it becomes challenging to track individuals who may pose a threat to the community. Incidents involving crimes committed by undocumented persons can strain local law enforcement resources and foster a sense of insecurity among residents. Enhancing border security and implementing effective immigration enforcement are necessary to protect public safety and ensure that those entering the country do not pose a risk to the community.

 

Drain on Healthcare
The influx of undocumented persons places a significant strain on national healthcare systems. Emergency rooms and public health services often bear the brunt of providing care to uninsured and undocumented individuals. This increased demand can lead to longer wait times, reduced quality of care, and higher healthcare costs for citizens. Properly addressing the asylum process, illegal border entry and undocumented persons and illegal immigrants is essential to alleviate the pressure on healthcare services and ensure that resources are available for those who are legally entitled to them.

 

Increased Dangers of Terrorism
Uncontrolled borders and illegal border crossings present a heightened risk of terrorism. Individuals who bypass legal entry points avoid the scrutiny of security checks and background investigations. This loophole will most likely be exploited by terrorists seeking to enter the country undetected. Strengthening border security and improving surveillance are critical measures to prevent terrorists from taking advantage of illegal immigration routes and to safeguard national security.

 

Drug and Human Trafficking and Weapon Smuggling
Uncontrolled borders and illegal border crossings facilitate increased drug and human trafficking as well as weapon smuggling. Criminal organizations exploit porous borders to transport illicit goods and exploit vulnerable individuals. These activities contribute to a rise in violent crime and undermine the rule of law. Enhancing border control measures and collaborating with international partners are necessary steps to combat trafficking and smuggling operations effectively.

 

Increased Financial Crimes
The presence of undocumented persons and illegal immigrants can lead to a rise in financial crimes, such as identity theft and tax evasion. The use of false documents to gain employment or access services creates significant challenges for law enforcement and financial institutions. Tackling illegal immigration involves addressing the underlying issues of document fraud and ensuring that financial systems are robust enough to detect and prevent such crimes.

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Social Destabilization and Economic Instability
An uncontrolled influx of people can contribute to social destabilization and economic instability. The sudden influx of undocumented individuals can strain public services, housing, and employment markets. Communities may experience increased tension and division, impacting social cohesion. Economically, the competition for low-wage jobs can suppress wages and lead to higher unemployment rates among citizens. Implementing fair and effective immigration policies is crucial to maintaining social harmony and economic stability.

 

Increased Risk of Pandemics
Illegal border entry can increase the risk of pandemics. Undocumented individuals often bypass health screenings that are standard at legal entry points, potentially bringing infectious diseases into the country. This can strain public health systems and lead to widespread outbreaks, posing a significant threat to national health security. Strengthening health protocols at borders and ensuring that all entrants undergo proper health checks are essential steps to mitigate this risk.

 

Missile, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Nuclear Proliferation
Illegal border crossings also pose a risk of missile, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and nuclear proliferation. Undocumented entry points can be exploited by hostile entities to smuggle dangerous materials or components necessary for WMDs. Ensuring robust border security and implementing advanced detection technologies are critical to preventing the smuggling of such materials and protecting national and global security.

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Sanctuary Cities

Federal statute 8 U.S.C. § 1373 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the sharing of information about a person's immigration status with federal authorities.  Sanctuary policies, which often limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, violate this law. Additionally, the refusal to honor ICE detainer requests, which are requests to hold individuals suspected of being in the country unlawfully, is seen by some as a direct violation of federal law.

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The impact of sanctuary policies on positive immigration is another area of contention.  Sanctuary policies deter positive immigration by creating an environment where the rule of law is selectively enforced.  This undermines the integrity of the immigration system and potentially encourages illegal immigration, straining resources and exacerbating social tensions.

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There is a direct correlation between sanctuary policies and increased crime rates. Sanctuary cities face increased costs for social services, education, and healthcare due to undocumented populations.  Additionally, these policies create social tension between local communities and law enforcement and between pro- and anti-immigration groups.

 

Note:  Illegal immigrants are not the same as undocumented persons, illegal aliens, refugees or asylum seekers.  For definitions, see immigrationpolicy.us