The Secure Fence Act: The Expected Impact on Illegal Immigration and Counterterrorism

The events of 11 September 2001 were a watershed moment in American history one that has catapulted national security back to the center stage. In response to the growing fears of terrorism and the heightened concern for illegal immigration that subsequently followed, President Bush signed the Secure Fence Act in October 2006, thus entangling two very distinct issues counterterrorism, and illegal immigration. The legislation authorized the construction of 700 hundred miles of double-layered fencing in addition to cameras, ground radar and improved lighting along the U.S.-Mexican border. The proposed border fence was designed to prevent unlawful entry into the United States, including entries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens and instruments terrorism This thesis examines the probable effectiveness of the border fence on illegal immigration and counterterrorism, by analyzing other such structures in the context of these two very different phenomena. This study investigates the border fence in San Diego, California and its affect on illegal immigration in addition to the security fence along Israels border with Gaza to explore its effect on terrorism. The study suggests that fences can prove effective in curbing illegal immigration but are less successful in combating terrorism.