In his article, "Low-Tech Fence Cuts Down on problems", Kevin G. Hall explains about a three mile fence that was established in New Mexico. Not only was the 15-foot-tall fence put up along Columbus, New Mexico, but to the west of the city, a vehicle barricade was introduced as well. Since the fence has been put up, there has been less of a flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into America. James Johnson, who owns 157 square miles of farmland in the area, likes the fence. "I think the fence is a very good idea. It will not work in all areas, but there are very strategic areas where it will do a good job", exclaims Johnson (Hall 689). This low-tech effort is having a much greater impact than the so called "virtual fence" that the Department of Homeland Security attempted to install, which used sensors, radars, and cameras to track traffic along the boarder (Hall 690). So far, the blockade has been effective, as the number of immigrants and illegal drugs, such as cocaine, has decreased since its installment in 2007. Although it seems that the fence has brought these numbers down, it is likely that those crossing the boarder are just taking another route around.
The topic of immigration is a controversial topic that is often brought up and that many people have strong feelings about. I think the author did a good job presenting his viewpoint with facts to back his claims up, although I wish he would have possibly talked about the opposing side of the argument. I was surprised that something so simple as a man-made fence would have better results than a high-tech fence established by the Department of Homeland Security. While I agree that activities such as human trafficking and drug smuggling are wrong, I don't think a mere simple fence will solve anything. I think the root of the problem needs to be addressed, not just slightly slowed down.
Works Cited
Hall, Kevin G. “Low-Tech Fence Cuts Down On Problems.” Perspectives on Argument. Ed. Brad Potthoff. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson, 2009. 689-690. Print.
