WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden has approved the construction of a new section of border wall in southern Texas, despite his previous opposition to border walls. The new wall will be approximately 20 miles long and will be built in Starr County, Texas, along the Rio Grande River. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2023 and be completed in 2024.
The Biden administration has said that the new border wall is necessary to comply with existing law, to address rising levels of immigration, and to appease political pressure. “I’ve always said that border walls are not the answer,” Biden said in a statement. “But I’m also a realist, and I know that we have to take action to address the situation at the border.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has also defended the decision to build the new wall.
“This new border wall is necessary to protect our national security and to ensure the safety of our border communities,”
Mayorkas said
However, some people have criticized the decision to build a new border wall.
“This new border wall is a waste of money and a human rights violation,” said Marielena Hincapié, an immigrant rights activist. “It will not stop people from migrating, and it will only make it more dangerous for them to do so.”
“I live in a border town, and I see the impact of illegal immigration every day. I support the new border wall because I think it will make our community safer.”
Border resident Juan Martinez
The effectiveness of border walls is a matter of debate. Some studies have shown that border walls can reduce illegal immigration, while other studies have shown that they have little or no effect. The effectiveness of a border wall is likely to depend on a variety of factors, such as the location of the wall, the type of wall, and the resources that are available to enforce it.
The cost of the new border wall is also a matter of concern. The Biden administration has not released a cost estimate for the wall, but some experts have estimated that it could cost billions of dollars.
“This is a significant investment of taxpayer money, and some people question whether it is the best use of resources,”
Said Sarah Smith, a political analyst.
The new border wall is also likely to have negative environmental and social impacts. The wall will be built through sensitive environmental areas, and it could disrupt wildlife migration patterns. The wall could also divide communities, both on the US and Mexican sides of the border.
The Biden administration has said that it will take steps to mitigate the environmental and social impacts of the new border wall. However, some people are concerned that these steps will not be sufficient to offset the negative impacts of the wall.
The Biden administration’s decision to build a new section of border wall in southern Texas is a complex one with a variety of potential impacts. The new wall is intended to deter illegal immigration and help DHS agents apprehend those who do cross illegally. However, some people have criticized the decision, arguing that border walls are ineffective, expensive, and harmful to the environment and to communities.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support the new border wall is a personal one. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of the wall before forming an opinion.
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