![]() The cost estimates for constructing this border fence have ranged from as low as $8 billion (President Trump’s initial estimate from the campaign trail), to as high as $40 billion. The primary plan includes constructing a single-layer wall in the most problematic areas where a sufficient barrier does not exist. Since making this a priority, there have been numerous estimates on what such an endeavor would cost. The Trump administration has promised to build a better security barrier on the southern border. Only along short stretches is a heavy-duty barrier installed in a concrete footing or double-layered fencing separated by a patrol road. 4 The remainder of the fence is a mixture of easily climbed, poorly-installed corrugated panels and other ad hoc materials. In fact, many stretches consist of nothing more than a “vehicle barrier” that fails to slow down foot traffic. Much of the existing barrier along the southern border hardly qualifies as a fence or wall. Fences do not guarantee security, but they are an integral tool for securing borders and send the message that would-be migrants are expected to enter the country through the proper channels. 3 As of May 2018, there were at least seventy-seven border walls or fences around the world. But, given the growth in worldwide migration and the emergence of new threats along the southern border, it is essential that the fence be completed and supplemented by other security structures – including walls where appropriate.īy 2015, sixty-five other countries have built security fences and other barriers to protect themselves from large scale migration and the infiltration of terrorists. These numbers are virtually the same as the numbers available in 2012, indicating no measurable progress. 14 miles of Tertiary Pedestrian Fencing.353 miles of Primary Pedestrian Fencing.Vehicle Fencing – that prohibits motorized vehicles from crossing. Customs and Border Protection maintains several types of “tactical infrastructure” (fencing, other physical barriers, and support structures such as observation towers) along the border. That legislation called for double-layered fencing along the border, augmented by manpower and technology, and directed the Secretary of Homeland security to construct “reinforced fencing along not fewer than 700 miles of the southwest border, in locations where fencing is deemed most practical and effective.” 2 How much of the required fencing was completed before Trump?Ĭurrently, U.S. Congress subsequently passed the Secure Fence Act of 2006. 1īy 2004, only nine miles of fencing were completed. IIRIRA called for the construction of a 14-mile, triple-layered fence along the boundary between San Diego and Tijuana. Recognizing the effectiveness of physical barriers as a means of border control, Congress first mandated the construction of a border fence in 1996 as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act ( IIRIRA). To learn more about President Trump’s other immigration priorities and accomplishments, check out our Trump Administration Immigration Accomplishments page and our Trump Tracker.Many countries maintain border walls or fences, including Israel, the UK (Northern Ireland), Spain, Greece, Hungary, and India.The estimated cost of the border wall cited most often is between $15 and $25 billion, which is a considerably smaller price tag than the $116 billion in taxpayer funds spent on illegal immigration in 2017.The Department of Defense ( DOD) has redirected funds from existing programs for the purposes of border wall construction under the authority of President Trump’s emergency declaration. Army Corps of Engineers ( USACE) began the process of prequalifying contractors for completion of $8 billion in construction and repair work. The majority of construction work to date has consisted of upgrades and repairs to existing border fencing and barriers.About 300 miles consists of anti-vehicle barriers. Presently, there is approximately 700 miles of fencing and barriers along the 1,954-mile border with Mexico.President Trump declared a national emergency in February 2019 in an attempt to jumpstart construction of a border wall. To date, progress on the border wall has been slow and limited due in large part to Congressional inaction and obstruction.
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