Deputizing the Border
August 10, 2005
It's better to look for a long-term solution
Written by Editorial,
Houston Congressman John Culberson's frustrated. So are many Texans – including the members of this editorial board. But frustration won't solve America's immigration problem. Only a smart plan will get the job done.
Mr. Culberson's proposal doesn't meet that standard. The Republican wants to deputize civilians, arm them and let this militia serve alongside Border Patrol agents. His "Border Protection Corps" idea has the support of nearly 50 House colleagues.
We imagine it also resonates with plenty of Americans, including loads of Texans. The approximate 450,000 immigrants who come illegally into the country each year, particularly from Mexico, have inflamed many people – from ranchers along the Rio Grande to unemployed workers in Maine to anxious citizens worrying about terrorists slipping across the border. They argue that Americans wouldn't face this problem if authorities enforced the law.
Unfortunately, the answer's not so simple. "We have tripled the size of the Border Patrol and increased its budget tenfold," GOP Rep. Jeff Flake wrote recently on our Viewpoints page. "And still they come. Clearly, border enforcement alone won't solve our illegal immigration problem."
How true. If enforcement were the answer, it would have worked a long time ago. What will succeed is a sensible approach to legal immigration. Mr. Flake and GOP Sen. John McCain have one.
Their immigration bill would allow about 400,000 foreign workers annually to earn (and pay for) a three-year visa to work here legally. While here, they could begin to apply for citizenship.
We favor this approach because it could effectively maintain our borders. It takes the annual flow of illegal workers and gives them a chance to work here legally. That would reduce the need for would-be workers to sneak across the Rio Grande. It also would let border authorities focus on finding terrorists carrying a dirty bomb across our southern flank. Border agents could more easily nab them if fewer people are coming across illegally.
This approach is a better way to control our borders. And relieve everyone's frustration.
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