International Negotiation November 25, 2017

Lara Janelle B. Madrid Mr. Jumel G.

Estrao
AB Foreign Service - FS401

A. NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES DIVIDED BY A WALL, IMPLICATIONS ON THE

RELATIONSHIP OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND MEXICO

B. Chapters

I. Abstract

This research aims to study on how the border wall that the United
States is planning to build going to affect its relationship with Mexico.
Economic and diplomatic relation between the states will be the most
affected by said plan of the United States. As the United States is the
number one trading partner of Mexico and likewise Mexico is the third of
United States trading partners. Will the border wall stop further attempts
by millions of Mexicans dreaming of escaping the harsh country and be
able to live the American life. Can the border wall totally stop illegal
immigration and illegal trade of drugs and fire arms, which is the one
reason of the differences of the two countries? What is the reasons on
why the United States want to build the border wall, who will benefit from
it, and if the plan was pursued, will the United States achieve its goal?
These are the questions and concerns of the research. In hope to resolve
this and to not make further conflict between the two states. And hoping
the two will come into terms of both will benefit.

Introduction

The United States and Mexico is separated by a border region

which are mostly deserts and hills. The border between United States and
Mexico is the most frequent crossed international boundary. Ferries,
roads, railroads, and walkways are the means on how a border crossing
happens. There are numerous points of entry in the border. Illegal border
crossing were mostly from Mexico alone, which makes millions of
undocumented Mexicans living in the United States. With border patrols
only guarding just half of the total border, illegal entries are definitely
capable, which are not prevented. The border plays a great role on the
development of the economy of both states. It serves as the center for
trade and for exchange of goods between the two states. As the United
States and Mexico is just a border apart, if one faces a crisis on its
economy, the other suffers as well. Dependent on each other
economically, the commonality of the two is that the way of governance,
the legal system, and economic system is the same. The two states have
always depended on each other as they are just being separated by a
border.
 The United States and Mexico shares a history together that goes
way back. Whether the history between the two is on the bad side, now
the two states work together for the betterment of each other. As millions
of Mexicans are living in the United States, legal or illegal, its the reason
as why the two states are cooperating with one another. Not only with the
huge of Mexican immigrants in the US, the two are working together, as
well as to stop the continuous illegal trade of drugs and fire arms which is
a big problem for both the United States and Mexico. 1 The two has
always been in a good and bad relationship through the years. Difference
in wealth, culture, and history the two shares are reasons of conflict for the
two.
2The growing trust the two states have with each other that started

for the assurance of each states security and cooperation between the two
due the continuous threat of attacks that happened for the previous years,
the states have surprisingly built a great partnership to maintain peace as
both states are sharing a big responsibility. With the building of border
wall, millions of illegal immigrants living in the United States are facing the
fear of deportation.

(Photo by Brookings Institution)

1
http://countrystudies.us/mexico/93.htm,Accessed November 21, 2017
2
Arturo Sarukhan, The U.S.-Mexico relationship is dangerously on the edge,
https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/global-
opinions/wp/2017/01/31/the-u-s-mexico-relationship-is-dangerously-on-the-edge/(January 31,
2017), Accessed on November 21, 2017
 View of the border between the United States and Mexico. Without
the border wall that the US plans to build, It is easily crossed by Mexicans
who wants to stay in the United States, whether it is legal or
undocumented.
It can be seen that it is easy to cross the border without the wall.
Immigrants will just need to go through a desert, mountains and terrains,
but it is not that easy and it will take time to get to the United States.

II. A. Statement of the Problem

1. What is the main purpose of the border wall?

2. Will the border wall lessen the growing number of illegal border
crossing to get to the United States?
3. What are the implications of deporting illegal migrants for both states?

B. Methodology

The purpose of the research is to determine the outcome of the

suppose plan of the United States on building a border wall. What are
the effects of the border wall on its relationship with its neighbor
country, Mexico, which is where millions of undocumented immigrants
residing in the United States are from. Is it going to maybe stop future
attempts of illegal crossing of Mexicans who seeks better life in the
United States. To know what are the reasons of why the United States
want to build a wall along the border that separates them from Mexico.

For the research, I was able to gather data from studies, theses,
journals and articles. I used the historical background of the two
states. Compare them from one another and discuss the outcome of
the problem through datas that have gathered.

Interviews conducted from journals, and articles were part of the

source I used to answer my statement of problems. To have come up
with my conclusion, summarized statements, and suggested solution
to the problems of the research that can be of some help to future
studies.
 III. Review of Related Literature

The cost of deporting millions of undocumented immigrants is the

burden of the state that is sending them back to their country. Instead of
deporting all of the immigrants or maybe some of them, it is better to
implement new and improved laws. That way, those who plans to migrate
illegally, will think twice or not pursue the plan. Also it can be the cause of
voluntary leaving of the illegal migrants to go back to their own country
with the implemented laws. (Camarota, 2017)

It is like giving a chance the illegal immigrants to leave on their

own. To not be arrested and be watched by their family taken away to
deport them back to their home country. The new laws implemented will
be a great strategy, as those who are attempting will back down and
maybe just stay in their own country. The sending state will benefit as well,
as they no longer face more problems on the issue of illegal immigrants as
the number may eventually lessen due to the laws. Problem on the cost of
deporting the undocumented immigrants will also decrease and maybe it
will not be a problem anymore. New laws may decrease the number of
illegal immigrants, but those who will try to cross the borders will never
decrease. They will still continue trying to cross the border, even though
there are numerous obstacles they will need to face to find peace in other
states.
3Raid happens when states are suddenly in move of wanting to
deport undocumented immigrants. Making surprise visit on home and
workplace, arresting them in front of many people. (Oriel, 2017)

These actions done by state officials are a given action as they

have a right to do it. The problem is that it will be traumatic for the family to
suddenly take their loved one. It will leave a big shock to every member of
the family, especially those who have children. That their undocumented
parent will be taken away in front of them, leaving them abandoned on
their own. Children will be abandoned, left alone without a parent as they
were deported. On why the child was left on the state is the reason of he
was born in that state and now a citizen of that state.
The main concern of the country which illegal immigrants wants to
live in is to safeguard its resources. That is why numerous laws have been
passed on the country. (Adelman, 2014)

3
Oriel (March 11, 2017) Filipino immigrants urged to know their rights amid
deportations and raids http://asianjournal.com/news/filipino-immigrants-urged-to-know-
their-rights-amid-deportations-and-raids/, Accessed on November 20, 2017
 To maintain its resources which are not even enough for their own
people, add to it the illegal immigrants they will need to share with. It will
affect the state as it may face scarcity or other problems due to the rapid
increase of illegal immigrants, add to it those who are living in that country
legally. Which maybe the reason of what drove the states to pass laws
that can help maintain the population of the state, as the resources of the
state may not be the reason of those who wants to live in that state, they
will eventually needing those. There will be scarcity on food, housing, jobs
due to the increasing number of population, as
4Deportationtakes a big space in once memory that is long-lasting.
Repatriated in a glimpse of an eye, it affects the family in a great cause.
(Rodriguez, 2013)

What drives people into migrating is to give their family a better

way of life. Taking risks on using illegal ways just to live with their family
on a better country than theirs. Members of the family are not all
documented and legal to live on the state they fled to, the ones illegal are
facing deportation and it leaves a big scar on the rest of the family as they
will try to cope up with longing to their family who are now apart from
them. Children were able to watch their parents taken away or arrested
will affect the kid in many ways. It will be a great shock for kids as they still
doesnt have an idea on what is going on.

The main reason as to why states deport illegal immigrants is not of

the reason of racism, but of to protect its citizens and those living in the
state. (n.d., 2017)

Protection of their citizens is the main objective of a state, which is

why they have no choice but to deport a lot of immigrants that are not
legal. As some of them may be a threat to the security of the state. Maybe
some of them, the reason of why they want to defect in that state is not for
a better opportunity, but of another mean. Cause chaos and threaten the
peace of that state. Also to preserve their resources which are not always
enough even for their own, its people, add to it the immigrants. But it is not
said that they detest immigrants, but rather try to keep what they have for
their own people. They are not that greedy but they are just trying to save
up for their own benefit as well. Racism is a big deal in all immigrants as to
why they are not always welcome.

4 Rodriguez, C. (2013) The Effects of Deportation on the Family

https://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://sdsu-
dspace.calstate.edu/bitstream/handle/10211.10/3931/Rodriguez_Cynthia.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwiwwujE89TXA
hWJS7wKHTAxCG8QFggbMAA&usg=AOvVaw3pWAsHC56ocZQxmnIFTOST, Accessed on November 20,
2017
 5Deporting millions of undocumented immigrants will be the cause
of ones state to hit bottom in terms of economy. It will affect the state
financially. (Guadalupe, 2017)

A countrys economy is the number one that will be affected of

deporting millions of illegal immigrants. As it is said that almost all of
undocumented immigrants are self-employed or have businesses. Which
mean that if they were deported, the state will lose big time, its economy
will fall, as those businesses will no longer be active and likely that
business will now be benefitted by the home country of the person deport.
That home countrys economy will boom, for the reason of the sending
state have let go of what gives their state a stable economy, which is from
an illegal immigrant who they are urged to send back to where they are
from. It may cause a decrease in the economy income of the sending. Add
to it the cost of the money they have used to send back those deported
immigrants back to their home country, the cost all came from the budget
of the government.

One of the first to be deported that states target is those who have
criminal records. After the state dealt with them, it will now turn its
attention to those undocumented that are living in the state. It is just that
they want to handle first the ones who may be a possible threat to the
state. (Andrade et al., 2016)

It is accepted that the main purpose of a sending state is for the

protection of the security of its country. It is better for those undocumented
immigrants to leave on their own, to go back to their home country. To not
wait for the officials of the state to force them on leaving or to be forced to
be sent back to their country. It is better to go on your own will than of
being arrested and being watched by others being arrested so that you will
be deported. Isnt it better to leave on your own will, than be arrested. But
the problem lies is that if they left, what is the future they will face back in
their home country, as to the reason why they immigrated is that the
opportunities in different aspects are better in the state they came from.

The reason as to why immigrants are drawn to settle in other

countries, more preferably the United States, is that it gives people the
security of a bright future and a much better way of living. (Nazarian,
2014)

5
Guadalupe, P. (February 1, 2017) Mass Deportation Would Cost Families, U.S. Billions: Study
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna715236, Accessed on November 20, 2017
 Immigrants have their reasons as to why they want to move and
live on another country. Job opportunities are better than of their home
country. The way of life is so much easier, compare to where they are
from. Some of the reason is that it is their dream of living in that state.
Which almost all of the people around the world think, the United States
as their dream country to live in. as it is a powerful state, economically
stable and a place where it will be comfortable to live in. A future for their
children will not have to worry anything as they are now living a stable
state unlike from where they are from.

What really drives immigrants to settle on another state? It is the

opportunities they can grab on that state they plan to settle in. The high
revenue ,stable economy, and a great amount of job opportunities. A high
level of education their children can attend at. (Costantino, 2014)

With the opportunities, the kind of life they were not able to live with
from where they were from, they will be living it to the country they fled to.
Live a decent, normal better life than of their home country. Many
available jobs and businesses they can get into unlike from where they are
from. The education level is higher which their children are going to benefit
from. And maybe live peacefully and away from the chaos they had to
experience from their home state. The educational system is better in
other states which is one of the reason why immigrants tend to settle in
other states. As to compare it to their home country it is way better to live
in other states. Some of the reason is that their home state is in chaos, its
economic is down and jobs are rare.

Regardless of criminal history, all undocumented and illegal staying

will be deported. Even those who are overstaying will be arrested on the
spot. To be forced to be deported to their home country. (Oriel, 2017)
6These actions what immigrants fear every day. Having no idea on
what day, time or while they are spending time with the family, on work,
officials of the state will suddenly show up to arrest the member of family.
He will be deported immediately, without able saying goodbyes to their
family. They will be apart from each other for a long time, maybe there is
just going to be times that they will see each other but not be able to live
together. Its sacrifices parents are willing to risk, just to give their children
a better future in another country, in exchange of it is to be apart from one
another.

6
Oriel, C. Filipino immigrants urged to know their rights amid deportations and
raids phttp://asianjournal.com/news/filipino-immigrants-urged-to-know-their-
rights-amid-deportations-and-raids/, Accessed on November 20, 2017
IV. Presentation, Interpretation & Analysis

Why is the United States so eager to build a border wall which

separates them from Mexico? What is really the purpose of the border
wall? And will the growing number of illegal immigrants decrease with the
border wall? These are the questions we will find the answers at.

First, the United States is known to be a powerful state,

economically stable, in terms of security, its manpower is capable to
protect its state from attacks. These are just some of characteristics of
United States which is why it attracts millions of people to immigrate in the
state. Whether it is legally or illegal, immigrants try any way they can to be
able to settle in the United States. In millions of undocumented immigrants
residing in the United States, a large percent of it are from its neighbor
country, Mexico, which only divides the two by a border region. Which is
why many Mexicans immigrates in the United States on legal basis, but
most of them are illegal.
7The border wall wont stop immigrants from trying to cross, they
are even risking their just to be able to cross and get to the United States.
Those attempting to cross the border have gone through mountains,
desert, terrains, which are difficult to overcome in term of walking or with a
vehicle. Many have lost their lives going through the obstacles of crossing
the border facing the obstacles said above. Now, the border wall is not
going to stop them even for a bit, not even going to think twice about
crossing due to the wall, for them theyve been through worse. 8Add to it,
immigrants will always find ways just to be able to cross. They have dug
tunnels to cross, theres really nothing that will be able to stop the
immigrants from crossing.
9The problem with drug cartels will not stop even though the border
wall was built. Like the immigrants who just want to live in the United
States, those drug cartels are more aggressive in finding out ways to get
into the state. As the reason of crossing is business, to be able to send
drugs into the state.

7
Emily Barone, This Graphic Shows Why President Trumps Border Wall Wont Stop
Immigrants from Crossinghttp://amp.timeinc.net/time/4729470/mexico-border-wall-
trump-undocumented-immigrants, Accessed on November 23,2017
8
David Bier, Why the Wall Wont Work https://wwato.org/publications/commentary/why-wall-
wont-work, Accessed on November 23, 2017
9
Eames Yates, EX-DEA AGENT: Trumps border wall would 'serve no purpose in the war on
drugs https://amp.businessinsider.com/trumps-border-wall-does-note-serve-purpose-mike-vigil-
dea-2016-3, Accessed on November 23, 2017
 10
The real reason as why the wall will be built is to stop immigration, addition to it to stop drug
and gun from entering the United States from Mexico. To control illegal means from the start, that
always happens always in the border region. It is what criminals and immigrants use to get into the
United States.

FILE PHOTO: Prototypes (R) for U.S. President Donald Trump's border wall with
Mexico are shown near completion in this picture taken from the Mexican side of the
border, in Tijuana, Mexico, October 23, 2017.
(Photo from REUTERS/JORGE DUENES)

The border wall will be no use as said by many, it will just be a

waste of money. It will not be the reason for immigrants to stop trying to
cross the border.11 President Trump urges that the wall is high enough to
climb, if immigrants were able to climb the wall, it will give enough time for

10
Olivia B. Waxman, The History of Walls Is Long. Here's Where Donald Trump Fits In
HTTP://AMP.TIMEINC.NET/TIME/4652770/DONALD-TRUMP-IMMIGRATION-
WALLS-HISTORY, ACCESSED ON NOVEMBER 23, 2017
11
David Bier, Why the Wall Wont Work https://wwato.org/publications/commentary/why-wall-
wont-work, Accessed on November 23, 2017
 border patrol to respond to the attempt. Time to reach the place where
immigrants trying to cross and eventually arrest them

If arrested, they will be sent back to Mexico immediately, as to they

were caught in the act of crossing the border.

The Trump administration plans to lessen the number of

immigrants in the United States through its border wall project. 12 the
number of immigrants changes every year, a year decreases, then time
come a year it increase again. Its not stable. The Trump administration
hopes in the coming years, it will decrease year after year with the help of
the border wall.

12
David Bier, Why the Wall Wont Work https://wwato.org/publications/commentary/why-wall-
wont-work, Accessed on November 23, 2017
 In the statement of the implications of the border wall for both the
United States and Mexico,13 Trump insists that Mexico will pay for the cost
of the building of the border wall. If Mexico still insist on not paying the
amount that was spent for the border wall. The United States will tax
Mexico through the business they share with. The two states are trading
partners for a long time. It will be the most affected through the
misunderstandings between the two.

The cost that was spent for the border wall will be a big lost in the
economy of the United States. Millions of dollars will lose from the United
States. That should be used for other means. That will benefit its citizen.
To be used for housing, food and others.

13
David Bier, Why the Wall Wont Work https://wwato.org/publications/commentary/why-
wall-wont-work, Accessed on November 23, 2017
 V. Summary, Conclusion & Recommendation

The border wall built by the United States will not totally stop
the immigrants, they will always find a way to get the United States. Whatever means it
may be, they will use it. It will just slow the immigrants and not totally stop them.

The cost of building the border wall is huge and it will take
years to recover the lost in the economy that was spent for the wall. It will affect the
citizens and the government will have a hard time to fill up that gap in the economy.
They will have to come up with ways to boost the economy to be able to achieved the
amount that was lost because of the wall.

It is best to add more border patrol and not use money on

structures and in the improvement of the state. They need to have a good negotiation to
come up with better solution on the problems both states are facing. The United States
and Mexico are just separated by a border, they are neighbors, close to each other.
They can work together on issues both are involved in.
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