Sarah Johannesen

Mr. Burnam
U.S. Government
September 8, 2014

Op-Ed: Voice of Government in the Southern Border

The government of the United States seems to become increasingly over-
involved; however, in the instance of border control, it is necessary for them to be more
involved. The governments central functions are to ensure national security, maintain
order, and resolve conflict; therefore, it is essential for the government to be doing its
fulfilling those duties in the border issue. The lives of American people and American
soil are endangered by the opening and leniency of the southern border. Not only does
the forbearing border lead to immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala; but also, from
ISIS and other dangerous, unwelcome people groups.
Our government is our government. As simple as that may sound, it is a
statement that does not seem to be blatantly obvious to the United States government and
President Obama. The governments first priority should be the safety and well-being of
the American people-not immigrants. While it is important to handle issues like this in a
politically correct manner, the American people are more important.
If immigrants are allowed into the United States, gangs could endanger
Americans. In an article by Jana Winter she said, Game wardens also reported seeing
people wearing black uniforms and armed with rifles on the Mexican side of the river,
and they said gunshots from automatic weapons were heard throughout the night on at
least four different occasions. Because the border patrol agents are not protected, they
are forced to hide until the shooting has ceased. Therefore, the gangs can easily pass
through. Jana Winter said in Fox News: Without any protection from such high-caliber
rounds, the agents were forced to hide until the barrage stopped.
The question of whether government can be too involved in national security is
simply asking whether we want safety over government involvement. When national
security is endangered, the concern over government size should not be the main focus.
If the governments greater involvement in the safety of the American citizens means a
safer and more secure country, then that is a better benefit to American people.
Michael McCaul said in his op-ed, Our border insecurity is decades in the
making, and time has shown that without a national strategy, we will never see lasting
progress. It is imperative to take this border issue and deal with it now. The
government has shown its love for getting involved in unnecessary things, so now when a
present problem presents itself, the government shies away?
The issue of border control could lead to repercussions including ISIS. In an
interview with Senator Ted Cruz in The Hill, he said, As long as our border isnt secure,
were making it far too easy for terrorists to follow through on promises (to attack the
United States). An open border is a startling issue. We have to really ponder what this
could mean for American people in the future. Looking at issues such as this from a
narrow point of view is foolish.
If the government and leaders of the United States treat this border issue with
lenience and without a strong statement that this needs to stop, this issue will continue
and worsen. Rand Paul said, I am for immigration reform because I am against allowing
12 million more illegal immigrants into our country. If we do nothing, 12 million more
illegal immigrants will come. The government needs to send a strong statement to not
only citizens of the United States but also to the countries of whom the immigrants and
future immigrants are from. Our country is known for its safety, freedom, and
opportunities, lets showcase that. The government needs to show that Americans are
living in a safe and secure country like the one it was always meant to be.
There seems to be hope for border control. The Department of Homeland
Security plans to invest billons more in borderland surveillance towers, drones, and
helicopters if the House adopts the immigration reform bill that the Senate passed in
June. These possible advances would improve the monitoring of illegal immigrants and
the safety of the American people. For didnt your mother always tell you think safety-
it couldnt hurt. Its time the American leaders (mothers of American people) start
acting like they care.