The Cost of an Open Border

by Tim Tremblay

What in the world is going to happen with the U.S. border? Something that seemed so simple, so necessary has developed into a major conundrum for our country. When you talk about an “existential threat,” the border situation is exactly that. The border and immigration are of the most important concerns during this election period.

President Donald Trump, through executive orders, made great strides in securing the border. President Joe Biden got rid of all the Trump border policies and has caused the situation to worsen considerably. Are Democrats looking for a way to increase the number of their voters?

Many are asking this question.

Housing costs are increasing dramatically across the country, in California, and especially in Santa Barbara. Conservative estimates of over ten million illegal immigrants have crossed the border since 2020. This has put additional demand on the country’s housing market which continues to send the average cost of a home and rents upward.

The open border has led to an influx of individuals seeking access to public services such as healthcare, education, and housing. This sudden increase in demand overwhelms local infrastructure and resources, leading to decreased quality of services and higher costs for all residents.

The impact on the labor market is multifaceted. On one hand, an increased labor force could fill job vacancies and contribute to economic growth, particularly in industries that rely heavily on low-wage workers. On the other hand, a sudden influx could also depress wages and working conditions, especially in low-skill sectors, as the supply of labor exceeds demand. Additionally, increased competition for jobs among native workers will lower employment rates and income levels.

Upsetting Demographics in Local Communities

The social fabric of communities is being altered by rapid demographic changes. Long-term residents are experiencing cultural shifts, increased competition for local resources, and changes in neighborhood dynamics. The fast pace of these changes has fostered social tensions and conflict in many communities.

Many believe that an open border is a way to provide refuge and opportunities to those fleeing violence, persecution, and poverty. However, without a proper system in place, this influx has led to inadequate shelter and support services and, in essence, a humanitarian crisis for the migrants themselves.

Successful integration of a large number of newcomers into society presents its own challenges. Adequate resources are needed for language education, job training, and social services, to ensure that immigrants can contribute effectively to society and avoid social isolation or marginalization.

Immigration Policy: A Conservative’s Perspective

The topic of illegal immigration sparks a lot of debate. Some argue for more leniency and open borders. Others support an approach advocating stricter controls and enforcement. As a conservative in one of America’s most livable and progressive cities – Santa Barbara –, here’s what I think.

At its core, a common-sense approach to illegal immigration is about maintaining law and order. It’s based on the belief that a country has a right to control who enters and stays within its borders. Think about it like this: your home has doors and locks because you need to control who comes in to ensure the safety and stability of your household.

Why not apply this same logic to national borders?

One of the main tenets of this approach is the emphasis on enforcing existing laws. If we have laws on the books, they should be followed and enforced. This means making sure that people who cross the border illegally are detained and, if necessary, deported. The idea here is that by strictly enforcing the law, it will act as a deterrent to those considering entering the country illegally.

Another key aspect is border security. This isn’t just about building walls – although that’s part of it – but also about using technology and manpower to monitor and secure the borders. This can include things like surveillance drones, increased border patrols, and even employing advanced technologies such as motion sensors and infrared cameras. The goal is to create a multi-layered defense system that makes it significantly harder for people to enter the country without permission.

Now, some argue that a wall is a simplistic solution. But a wall is more than just a physical barrier; it’s a symbol of a country’s right to enforce its borders. It sends a clear message that illegal entry won’t be tolerated.

Then there’s the sanctuary cities – cities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These policies undermine the rule of law. Local governments should work with federal agencies to enforce immigration laws, not create safe havens for those who have broken them. Cooperation between different levels of government is essential for effective law enforcement.

Most conservatives don’t oppose immigration. We support legal immigration and recognize the contributions that immigrants make to society. The key difference is that they advocate for a system that is orderly, lawful, and manageable. Conservatives believe that immigration should be merit-based, prioritizing those who can contribute to the economy and society in meaningful ways. Critics argue that it can be too harsh and lacks compassion for those fleeing desperate situations. Proponents counter that a country must prioritize the well-being of its citizens and maintain the integrity of its laws.

Addressing illegal immigration effectively should focus on enforcing existing laws, securing borders, reducing employment incentives to illegal immigrants, and ensuring cooperation between local and federal authorities. It’s about creating an immigration system that is fair, orderly, and respects the rule of law. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s a perspective rooted in the belief that maintaining control over who enters the U.S. is crucial for the country’s security and stability.

The cost of an open U.S. border is not simply a matter of dollars and cents; it also encompasses a broad range of economic, social, and humanitarian factors. While the idea of an open border may appeal to those advocating for more lenient immigration policies, the reality involves complex trade-offs that need to be carefully evaluated.

It's time to fix our border.

Fortunately, it looks like new leadership is on the way to do just that.

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