Deportations securing America or running in circles?

Abstract

The United States was attacked by terrorists in 2001, and the country entered into a highly publicized debate on how to keep the country safe. Immigration reform to counter the ability of terrorists to circumvent U.S. immigration laws became the focus of much anti-terrorism legislation. Many immigration laws, especially concerning the deportability of an individual, which had been in place since the mid-1990s, were expanded and additional enforcement mechanisms created. However, policies emplaced have created new challenges with cooperation with Latin America due to the overwhelming impact the laws have had on Latin Americans, whether documented or undocumented. Additionally, the laws are written and passed due to the political pressure resulting from acts of terrorism, but there are significant provisions that can be applied to countering criminal activity. The broad approach has sent contradictory messages to Latin America in comparison to U.S. plans for economic integration. The impact on cooperation from Latin America is just one way the overall strategic goals of the United States have been affected by deportation policy. As the United States seeks faster mechanisms to emplace borders and return non-citizens, Latin America must reintegrate them into a society that is improperly prepared to deal with them. This strategy may serve the short-term goals of the United States if it was effectively implemented, but the sheer amounts of undocumented immigrants in this country do not make that possible. Additionally, deportation policy has not addressed the long-term goals of U.S. security strategy to promote freedom and economic opportunity to counter terrorism and crime.