Are Walls Effective in Preventing Illegal Immigration?

The argument for building walls, particularly border walls, to prevent illegal immigration has been a topic of intense debate. Many proponents of such walls believe that these structures act as a foolproof solution to illegal entry. However, practical evidence and real-life examples often suggest otherwise. Let's explore this concept through the lens of personal and historical experiences.

Physical Barriers and Intruders

Imagine your home has a garden, and you build a fence around it. You might think that this fence will keep out intruders, but in reality, it's not a foolproof security measure. Even fences can be defeated by determined individuals. For instance, in my yard, three red deer visit every winter. Despite having fences and other deterrents, I am still unable to keep them out. Unfortunately, fences and walls only serve to deter casual intruders. They make it clear where the boundaries are, but a determined intruder can still find a way through.

Other Deterrents

One could argue that more extreme measures, such as a crocodile-infested moat or a PoW-camp-style barbed wire setup with machineguns and searchlights, would be more effective. However, in practice, such measures are rarely, if ever, implemented. The logistics and potential dangers of such arrangements make them impractical and extreme.

Security Measures for Personal Property

Individuals erect fences around their homes primarily for their dogs and to ensure that children stay within their sight. Fences provide a clear boundary and make it easier for parents to monitor their children's movements. However, these fences do not serve the same purpose for protecting a country from illegal immigrants. A common misconception is that such walls are built to prevent people from climbing over them. This belief is far from accurate, as a ten-foot ladder can easily overcome an eight-foot fence. Furthermore, municipal code enforcement often requires higher quality fences, which undermines the belief in the effectiveness of such walls.

Cost and Effectiveness

Building a wall, such as the Berlin Wall mentioned, is not only costly but also highly impractical. A hypothetical Berlin Wall on the southern border would cost an astronomical amount of money. According to estimates, it would cost 2.5 trillion dollars just to construct it, assuming complete ownership of the land. The annual maintenance cost of such a wall would be more than the total amount already spent on various fences and cheaper walls over the years. It's important to note that the Berlin Wall, which was only 27 miles long and surrounded East Berlin, still did not prevent over 5000 people from escaping. When the wall came down, the world celebrated, indicating that people were willing to find alternative routes.

Moreover, building a concrete wall on the southern border to prevent immigration is unrealistic. Many immigrants would simply use alternative routes, such as coming via the water surrounding the country. For instance, Cubans use this method to enter the United States. It is not simply a matter of how smart or stupid a person is, but rather a recognition of the complex and diverse methods people use to migrate.

In conclusion, while barriers can be effective in certain contexts, they are not a foolproof solution to the issue of illegal immigration. The effectiveness of walls can be undermined by the ingenuity and determination of those seeking to cross them. It is crucial to recognize that security measures need to be comprehensive and adaptable to evolving methods of entry.