Immigration Reform? Secure the Border First.

President Obama, talking about his illegal immigrant solution, told Univision this week that the US-Mexico border is more secure than ever.

Not surprisingly, we’re arguing semantics. More secure? Maybe. Secure? Not. As an Arizona resident, I hope those working on immigration reform press to secure the border first.  If you live on the East Coast traveling quickly from state to state it might be unimaginable the size of challenges of our Southern Border.  It’s nearly 350 miles East to West across the state. Almost 400 miles of border with Mexico.

But take a look at this CNN report with an Arizona border rancher. Does this look secure to you? How hard is it for Coyotes and drug smugglers to figure out where the fence ends? Traveling like armed ghosts in the night (and sometimes by light), the rugged terrain may slow down sightseers but those wishing to cross do so easily, continuing to endanger the lives of US residents.

The administration brags that there are fewer illegals coming into the country than before. But many would argue this reduction is due to a continued stagnant economy allowing for fewer undocumented workers to find jobs.

No one argues that fences will stop everyone from crossing. But most everyone does agree that they do significantly slow the numbers. Like plugging a leaky boat with a rag, water may still seep in but at a more manageable rate and you are no longer in danger of sinking.