What is the Wall, and Why Does it Matter?

What is the Wall?

The Wall is a proposed 2,000-mile long wall along the southern border of the United States, with the aim of preventing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other issues. The idea was first proposed by President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign for presidency, and has since sparked widespread debate and controversy.

Historical Precedents

The concept of building walls along borders as a means of defense or to control immigration and trade is not a new one. Throughout history, walls have been built for various purposes, such as the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, and the Israeli West Bank Barrier.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is the largest and most well-known example of a wall built for defense. Construction of the wall began in the 7th century BC and eventually stretched over 13,000 miles, with the aim of protecting the Chinese empire from Mongol invasion. The construction of the wall was a massive undertaking that involved millions of workers over several centuries.

The Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a barrier that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989, separating East Berlin from West Berlin. The wall was built by the communist government of East Germany to prevent citizens from defecting to the West. The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War and its fall in 1989 marked the end of the Soviet Union.

The Israeli West Bank Barrier

The Israeli West Bank Barrier is a controversial barrier that runs along the West Bank and Israel, with the aim of separating Israeli and Palestinian territories. The barrier has been criticized for its impact on Palestinian communities, with many arguing that it is a violation of international law and human rights.

Pros and Cons of the Wall

Pros

• The Wall would provide a physical barrier that would prevent illegal immigration from Mexico.
• The Wall would prevent drug trafficking and other criminal activity from entering the United States.
• The Wall would provide jobs and boost the economy, as it would require significant manpower and materials to construct.

Cons

• The Wall would be costly to construct, with some estimates putting the cost at $25 billion.
• The Wall would not address the root causes of illegal immigration, which are often economic or political in nature.
• The Wall would have a negative impact on the environment and wildlife, as it would disrupt migration patterns and destroy habitats.
• The Wall would be a symbol of hostility towards Mexico and could damage relations between the two countries.

Cost of the Wall

The cost of the Wall has been a major point of debate. Estimates vary widely, with some putting the cost at $25 billion, while others suggest it could be as high as $70 billion. The cost would include not only the construction of the wall itself, but also the maintenance and enforcement of the barrier once it is in place.

Environmental Impact of the Wall

The Wall would have a significant impact on the environment and wildlife along the southern border. The barrier would disrupt migration patterns of animals and destroy habitats, which could have a ripple effect on ecosystems throughout the region.

Feasibility of the Wall

Many experts have raised concerns about how feasible the Wall would be from a logistical standpoint. It would be a massive undertaking that would require significant resources and manpower to construct, and would face numerous legal and regulatory obstacles.

What Does the Wall Mean for the U.S. and Mexico?

The Wall would have far-reaching implications for both the United States and Mexico, from economic and political to social and cultural. The construction of such a barrier would send a message of hostility towards Mexico and could damage diplomatic relations between the two countries. It could also have an impact on trade and tourism between the two countries, which would have economic implications for both.

Conclusion

The Wall has been a controversial and divisive issue that has sparked debate and discussion across the United States and Mexico. While the concept of building walls along borders is not new, the proposed Wall represents a significant departure from the policies and values of the United States. Whether it will ever be built or not remains to be seen, but its impact on the political, economic, and social landscape of both countries is likely to be significant.

Most Common Questions and Answers

• What is the Wall?
• The Wall is a proposed 2,000-mile long wall along the southern border of the United States, with the aim of preventing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other issues.
• Why is the Wall controversial?
• The Wall is controversial because it is seen by many as a costly, ineffective, and morally-questionable solution to the problem of illegal immigration and other issues along the southern border.
• What are the pros and cons of the Wall?
• The pros of the Wall include providing a physical barrier that would prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking, as well as creating jobs and boosting the economy. The cons of the Wall include its cost, its negative impact on the environment, and its potential to damage diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico.
• What is the cost of the Wall?
• The cost of the Wall has been estimated at anywhere from $25 billion to $70 billion.
• What is the environmental impact of the Wall?
• The Wall would have a significant impact on the environment and wildlife along the southern border, disrupting migration patterns and destroying habitats.

References

• https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/23/politics/trump-border-wall-fight/index.html
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2018/live-updates/trump-white-house/updates-trump-threatens-a-government-shutdown-over-border-wall-funding/?itid=lk_inline_manual_2
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/immigration/2019/02/14/border-wall-trump-national-emergency-most-frequently-asked-questions/2851078002/