That's all? Nine billion dollars is pocket change in our federal budget. If that were true, we should have the wall built by now wihtout even feleing it. But beware that estimates ae just that, and are always less than true cost (that's how you get them approved, by making the look cheap).
The problem with walls is that they need maintenance. Unmaintained walls just become another unmaintained border. Holes appear in them and people slip in.
Cut of the demand created by unethical greedy businesses, by enfrcing the existing laws and depriving them on their illegitimate profits with fines, and the illegal imigration will not only stop but reverse itself. Once they can't find jobs, they will go back. No wall needed.
I agree with you that $9 billion is nothing compared to the importance of this, which is why I also agree that the explanation is obviously that there is not the political will to build it on either side. Sure estimates can be low, but I wouldn't care if it cost twice as much if it got the job done.
The problem with walls is that they need maintenance. Unmaintained walls just become another unmaintained border. Holes appear in them and people slip in.
I agree. There would have to be adequate forces to maintain them. I just think it would be much easier to maintain the fully open borders we have now, rather than have to justify a wasted wall given how much it would cost to build. I suppose by that I hope it IS more expensive. :)
Cut off the demand created by unethical greedy businesses, by enforcing the existing laws and depriving them on their illegitimate profits with fines, and the illegal immigration will not only stop but reverse itself. Once they can't find jobs, they will go back. No wall needed.
I agree that must be done also, but I don't think it would solve everything alone. The underground economy would mushroom to before unseen heights, and all the criminals, and terrorists (as you correctly pointed out), would still freely come over.