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The Issue: Should the U.S. build a

border wall on the Southern
border?

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YES: The U.S. should build a border wall on the Southern border

For national security purposes American authorities have to know who is inside the
country. The wall would stop or at least dramatically slow down undocumented immigrants who
may pose a threat to safety of American citizens.

The wall would help reduce the amount of drugs coming into the country. As a majority
of the drugs smuggled into the United States come from its southern border. (NPR)

It is impossible for border patrol officers to police a 2,000 mile border alone. Without
added obstacles and deterrence to assist them. Adding a border wall that is 30 feet long will buy
border enforcement officers enough time to get to a location to deal with individuals illegally
attempting to enter the country.

There were 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. in 2014. What we are
currently doing on the border is not working nor effective. (Pew Research)

The use of motion detection and virtual fence technologies have not stopped all of the
undocumented immigrants and drug smugglers from illegally entering the country. (Washington
Post)

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NO: The U.S. should not build a border wall on the Southern border

At an estimated cost of $21.6 billion the wall is simply way too expensive. (USA Today)

In Nogales, Arizona a border town tunnels are found routinely that go under the existing U.S.
and Mexico border fence. A bigger wall would do little to stop drug cartels from tunneling
underneath it. (NY Times).

“The number of Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. illegally has declined by more than 1
million since 2007.” With this continued decrease the proposed border wall will be less relevant
and a waste of money. (Pew Research)

The natural terrain of a desert, hills, winding waterways, and numerous other environmental
factors make a border wall unfeasible. Much of the land where the border wall would sit is
privately owned. The government would have to kick people out of their homes and take land
away from its citizens to build the wall. (Washington Post)

“Migrants are determined and often have few options. Increased violence has pushed migrants
and asylum seekers to the U.S.” Migrants will overcome any obstacle to avoid going back to
their often violent filled home areas. (Washington Post)

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The Issue: Should the U.S. build a border wall on the Southern border?

YES NO
Think About: Think About:
 Explain how the border wall would  Explain the effects the wall would have
benefit Americans. on Americans.
 Is the wall needed to protect America?  Is it cheap?
Why?  Would it be effective?
 Is it possible to effectively patrol the  Are immigrants coming into the U.S. in
border without a wall? record numbers?
 How does the author justify building the  How does the author justify building the
wall on the southern border? wall on the southern border?
Arguments: Arguments:

first it has the image of the country for the

world, and its economy could fall because
a good part of its economy comes from
the immigrants.

it will not be cheap, it will have many fees

for the Americans, even though it is a not
effective way, because you will have
several other methods of entering the
country.

the numbers are diminishing every year of

extra-yers, every year comes less

that immigrants are invading more and

more the American areas and entering
illegally in their country.

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Border Wall Information Sheet

Supporters of Border Wall:

1. For national security purposes American authorities have to know who is inside the
country. The wall would stop or at least dramatically slow down undocumented
immigrants who may pose a threat to safety of American citizens.
2. The wall would help reduce the amount of drugs coming into the country. As a majority
of the drugs smuggled into the United States come from its southern border. (NPR)
3. It is impossible for border patrol officers to police a 2,000 mile border alone. Without
added obstacles and deterrence to assist them. Adding a border wall that is 30 feet long
will buy border enforcement officers enough time to get to a location to deal with
individuals illegally attempting to enter the country.
4. There were 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. in 2014. What we are
currently doing on the border is not working nor effective. (Pew Research)
5. The use of motion detection and virtual fence technologies have not stopped all of the
undocumented immigrants and drug smugglers from illegally entering the country.
(Washington Post)

Opponents of Border wall:

1. At an estimated cost of $21.6 billion the wall is simply way too expensive. (USA Today)
2. In Nogales, Arizona a border town tunnels are found routinely that go under the existing
U.S. and Mexico border fence. A bigger wall would do little to stop drug cartels from
tunneling underneath it. (NY Times).
3. “The number of Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. illegally has declined by more
than 1 million since 2007.” With this continued decrease the proposed border wall will be
less relevant and a waste of money. (Pew Research)
4. The natural terrain of a desert, hills, winding waterways, and numerous other
environmental factors make a border wall unfeasible. Much of the land where the border
wall would sit is privately owned. The government would have to kick people out of their
homes and take land away from its citizens to build the wall. (Washington Post)
5. “Migrants are determined and often have few options. Increased violence has pushed
migrants and asylum seekers to the U.S.” Migrants will overcome any obstacle to avoid
going back to their often violent filled home areas. (Washington Post)

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Proposed U.S. and Mexico Border Wall Response Group Options Handout
Directions: After your group discussion, read the statements and draw an X on the line where you stand.
1. Undocumented Immigrants or drug smugglers will find a way into the country no
matter what measures the U.S. takes on the border it shares with Mexico.
----------X------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Agree Disagree

2. Our current methods of securing the U.S. and Mexico border are effective.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X------------- 

Agree Disagree

3. A 30 foot border wall would deter individuals from attempting to get over it.
---------X-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Agree Disagree

4. Utilizing virtual fence, motion detection, or other technologies can or has the
potential to secure the border.
-------------X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Agree Disagree

What do you believe? Is the border wall the most effective way to secure the
border? (Checkmark the choice that best describes your belief)
Border Wall or Other Measures Will Have No Effect: No, there is no effective way to protect
America’s border, people will come into this country regardless of what measures the U.S. takes.
Other More Effective Border Enforcement Options Exist: No, there are better (and cheaper)
options to effectively secure America’s border.
The Border Wall Is the Best of Bad Options: Yes, there should be a border wall, but only
because there is a lack of other suitable and effective options to secure the border.
The Border Wall Protects America’s Security: Yes, the border wall is the most effective way
to protect America’s border. It will significantly decrease the amount of undocumented
immigrants and illegal drugs entering the U.S.