Exploring US Borders: A Comparison
How does the US control the circulation of people between its borders with Canada and Mexico?
Do you think the level of control is the same on both borders?
Answer:
The United States shares a land border exclusively with two countries: Canada to the north, and Mexico to the south. The border with Canada stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, covering a total length of 8,891 kilometers, while the border with Mexico is also bi-oceanic and spans a total length of 3,145 kilometers. The main difference lies in the protection the United States provides to each border: the border with Canada is sparsely monitored, whereas the border with Mexico is heavily guarded and fortified. This is mainly due to the fact that Canada is not seen as a significant source of immigrants to the United States, whereas Mexico is, both on its own and as a transit point connecting the United States to the rest of Latin America.
When it comes to controlling the circulation of people between the borders, the United States implements stricter measures along its southern border with Mexico compared to its northern border with Canada. The heightened security along the US-Mexico border is a response to concerns about unauthorized immigration, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. This increased vigilance includes the use of barriers, surveillance technology, and border patrol agents to prevent unauthorized crossings.
On the other hand, the US-Canada border is less monitored due to the lower perceived risk of unauthorized immigration and security threats from that direction. The differences in border control strategies reflect the distinct geopolitical and socio-economic dynamics between the US and its neighboring countries. While Canada and the US share a peaceful relationship and have strong economic ties, the US-Mexico border faces more complex challenges, including issues related to poverty, crime, and migration.
Overall, the United States has different approaches to border security depending on its neighbors and the perceived threats associated with each border. The level of control and surveillance along the US-Mexico border is significantly higher compared to the US-Canada border, reflecting the unique challenges and priorities faced by the country in managing its borders.