How Eisenhower Solved Illegal Border Crossings from Mexico

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | July 6, 2006 | John Dillin

[BarnacleCenturion]

Fifty-three years ago, when newly elected Dwight Eisenhower moved into the White House, America's southern frontier was as porous as a spaghetti sieve. As many as 3 million illegal migrants had walked and waded northward over a period of several years for jobs in California, Arizona, Texas, and points beyond.

President Eisenhower cut off this illegal traffic. He did it quickly and decisively with only 1,075 United States Border Patrol agents – less than one-tenth of today's force. The operation is still highly praised among veterans of the Border Patrol.

Although there is little to no record of this operation in Ike's official papers, one piece of historic evidence indicates how he felt. In 1951, Ike wrote a letter to Sen. William Fulbright (D) of Arkansas. The senator had just proposed that a special commission be created by Congress to examine unethical conduct by government officials who accepted gifts and favors in exchange for special treatment of private individuals.

General Eisenhower, who was gearing up for his run for the presidency, said "Amen" to Senator Fulbright's proposal. He then quoted a report in The New York Times, highlighting one paragraph that said: "The rise in illegal border-crossing by Mexican 'wetbacks' to a current rate of more than 1,000,000 cases a year has been accompanied by a curious relaxation in ethical standards extending all the way from the farmer-exploiters of this contraband labor to the highest levels of the Federal Government."

[nathanbedford]

I started on my comments on this thread by saying my first vanity published many years ago entitled, "this time it really is George Bush's fault," referring to George Bush's adamant refusal to secure the border and enforce immigration laws against employers who took unfair advantage against their competitors by illegally hiring illegal workers. I pointed out the solution was much like the solution that Eisenhower employed, quiet but determined enforcement.

At the time many FReepers were thinking in terms of anti-abortion concerns and therefore tended to think of those who called for immigration enforcement to be followers of Malthus. It was a relatively unpopular stance at the time.

I agree with the Eisenhower approach we would not be in the fix we are in today if Bush had taken that approach.

I refer you to my next preceding reply.

Thanks for reacquainting me with the article about Eisenhower.

[csmusaret]

Kibitz later? Unemployment was 6% or less in 1954. Facts are stubborn things. Illegal immigration was and is a problem. No need to create excuses for enforcing the law. Whine now or later-I don’t care.

[Dante3]

I agree it can be done. Other nations have also done it.