Immigration and National Security: Post-9/11 Challenges for the United States

This chapter describes how, post-September 11, most policy makers view the immigration aspects of national security very simply: they believe that immigration policy can enhance national security by focusing on keeping people out of the United States. Therefore, when speaking of immigration and national security, most people think of hiring more border patrol agents, tightening up the laws to make it more difficult to get into the United States, and quickly deporting those who violate their status while they are in the country. However, the relationship between immigration and national security is much more complicated. Rather than focusing on “keeping people out,” an effective national security oriented U.S. immigration policy must focus on letting in the right people. Immigrants are a key asset in fighting the global war on terrorism and maintaining U.S. military dominance. Immigrants are also key to the United States maintaining its economic dominance, which is necessary in order to support military power. Yet the United States has no national security strategy for immigration. Immigration policy must be an explicit part of such a strategy, not an afterthought. A key aspect of national security is a comprehensive immigration policy that allows us to distinguish between legitimate immigrants and the small number of people who intent to do harm.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0275987698
• Corporate Authors:

  Praeger Security International

  88 Post Road West
  Westport, CT  United States  06881
• Authors:
  • Stock, Margaret D
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 117-143
• Monograph Title: Homeland Security Protecting America’s Targets. Volume 1 Borders and Points of Entry
• Serial:
  • Volume: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Border regions; International borders; National security; Policy making; Safety and security; Security; Security checkpoints; Terrorism
• Identifier Terms: Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
• Uncontrolled Terms: Foreign nationals; Immigration
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01050137
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0275987698
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 24 2007 1:05PM