This is a class blog for the students of POLSCI 426: Congressional Politics at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Protecting the Border

Congress granted Michael Chertoff, homeland security secretary, the right to ignore any laws that could get in the way of building a fence to protect the border. Chertoff waived more than 30 laws including ones protecting the environment and endangered species because they interfered with the fence. There seems to be a heated debate arising over Congress’ decision. Many people are claiming that it is unconstitutional for Chertoff to be granted the right to ignore any laws that get in the way of protecting the border. Environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife, have also complained, and sued Chertoff last year over his decision to ignore 19 laws interfering with the border. Personally, I am going to have to side with Congress on this one. Although it is important to keep our environment safe and protect endangered species, I think it is more important to protect our country. Illegal immigration needs to be stopped, and if the only way to do it is to allow Chertoff the power to suspend laws interfering with the border fence, then I think that is what must be done.

2 comments:

Justin McKilligin said...

I agree that illegal immigration has to stop however, will a fence really do the trick. I have a feeling we will never really stop illegal immigration however, I guess controlling it is better then doing nothing.

Sally H. said...

I agree with Justin, illegal immigration has to be stopped, but there will never be a real way to stop immigration. There will just be other ways people will find to go around it, or in this case over it.

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