The Feasibility and Consequences of Building a Wall Around the Entire United States

From a political standpoint, the idea of constructing a wall around the entire United States is often criticized as impractical and costly. However, an in-depth examination of the proposal reveals potential consequences not only in terms of national security but also in economic and social impacts.

Security Concerns and Feasibility

During the presidency of Donald Trump, there was a significant push to enhance border security through the construction of a wall along the southern border with Mexico. While this infrastructure was designed to address specific security challenges, discussions about expanding it to surround the entire country often focus on hypothetical scenarios. Such a grand scheme, however, is fraught with logistical and financial challenges.

Security Reinforcements: Even with a comprehensive wall, additional security measures would be necessary. The removal of existing security protocols could turn the areas surrounding the wall into potential hotspots, creating gaps for illegal activities and exploitation. This is analogous to addressing the proverbial 'locks' but forgetting about the 'keys,' as without adequate backup security, the wall would only provide temporary obstacles for those determined to circumvent it.

Economic Impact

The economic cost of a nationwide border wall would be astronomical. A widely-circulated estimate puts the cost at trillions of dollars. This projecting cost not only includes the initial construction but also the ongoing maintenance and manpower required to keep the wall operational.

Construction Costs: The primary focus of such a project would be the construction itself. In our current landscape, the cost of building such a structure would be staggering. Areas such as the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest, where the terrain is not flat like much of the Midwest, would present significant challenges and add to the cost. Maintenance and Patrol: Ensuring the wall remains intact and operational would require a tremendous amount of resources. Patrols to monitor the wall for breaches, repairs to damaged sections, and constant surveillance would escalate the overall financial burden.

Furthermore, these costs would not be limited to the initial build. Ensuring the integrity of the wall and maintaining its security through patrols would consume a substantial portion of the nation's budget, potentially diverting funds away from other critical sectors such as defense, healthcare, and education.

National Integrity and International Relations

The idea of a wall surrounding the United States raises questions about national sovereignty and international relations. Placing such a significant structure along the Rio Grande could jeopardize access to the Rio Grande, which is an essential waterway for Texas. Similarly, creating a barrier in the Great Lakes could disrupt shipping and economic activities, leading to international disputes.

Moreover, building the wall on the Mexican or Canadian sides would be a significant invasion of their sovereign territories, creating international incidents that could strain diplomatic relations. These geopolitical issues could lead to conflicts or negotiations that are far beyond the scope of a simple border security project.

Social and Humanitarian Impact

The human toll of such a wall would be immense. The wall would not only affect illegal immigrants but also legal residents, tourists, and businesses that rely on border crossings. Imagine the disruption to daily life, particularly in coastal areas, where the wall would affect beaches, fishing, and shipping activities. Even Alaska and Hawaii would face unique challenges in implementing such a project, making it a complex and impractical solution.

The wall would be a visible symbol of fear and distrust, not just of people from different countries but also of the diverse communities within the United States. It would highlight the fear of a 'different' world, rather than celebrating the rich diversity of national identities that make America unique. The psychological impact of such a project could be as significant as its logistical and financial burdens.

Conclusion

While the idea of surrounding the entire United States with a border wall may seem appealing from a security standpoint, the reality is far more complex. The significant financial cost, logistical challenges, and potential social and diplomatic repercussions make this a impractical solution to any of the problems it is intended to address. It is a mere symptom of a fear of the unknown, rather than a meaningful approach to national security and economic stability.