Border and Coastal Security

Border and Coastal Security

Challenges Faced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents

Customs and border protection agents suffer from burnout due to the vast areas border protection involves. The numbers of entries are equally high. Border protection includes screening, which can be a daunting and risky task. The work locations are remote; hence a large number of agents seek other customs and law enforcement jobs in better areas such as cities (Tarallo, 2019).

Functional Equivalent of the Border

The Department of Homeland Security, in its efforts to maintain national security mandates that an electronic device search should be carried out on travelers exiting and entering the U.S. borders. Borders, in this case, not only include ports but airports as well (Leon, 2019).

Fourth Amendment Exception As It Pertains To Border Searches

The Fourth Amendment instills a right to privacy as pertains to searches and seizure. In this regard, a search can only be carried out under the issuance of a search warrant justified under probable cause. This right, however, has exceptions as pertains to border searches. A law enforcement officer has the right to search without a warrant or probable cause as long as the search is reasonable (Leon, 2019).

Use of Seizure Statistics to Justify the Mission of Border Security

The 2016 seizure statistics, for example, indicated that the majority of drugs crossed into the U.S. through ports of entry while a lesser amount crossed through remote areas near the border (Isacson, 2017). It, therefore, means that building a wall in remote regions was, in reality, not necessary according to statistics presented. Seizure statistics are thereby useful in justifying the mission of border security as they give direction as pertains to the actions required to maintain security on international borders and ports of entry.

Open Market and Closed Borders

Open markets involve the mutual trading of goods and services between individuals and businesses without government interference and restrictions (Hanke, 2018). The U.S. supports free trade but does not support open borders. Though being an open market, the U.S. has closed borders, which translates to human movement having restrictions.

Challenges of Facilitating Legal Border Crossings While Maintaining Secure Borders

Long wait times at the port of entry are a challenge faced by CBP agents. Constrained border facility resources and high contraband seizure figures are a challenge as well. Facilitating high numbers of family unit members and children crossing borders poses a challenge (Isacson, 2017).

The Economic Impact of Terrorism on the U.S. and Global Markets since 9/11

Terrorism has affected the U.S. economy as well as global markets since 9/11. As a result, it has led to heightened security measures globally (Jansen, 2018). Subsequent terror attacks have taken place since 9/11 hence raising skepticism. Uncertainty of markets and trade means that the economic stability previously experienced is no longer feasible. Trade rules have changed in attempts to increase security while at the same time encouraging free trade.

The impact of GATT and NAFTA agreements on cross border trade in North America

The GATT agreement involves a trade agreement between different countries globally. The NAFTA agreement, on the other hand, is a trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (Gannage Jr, 2012, p 136). Both agreements support free trade (cross border trade) in thereby playing a significant role in the economic stability of North America. The NAFTA agreement has specifically been highly instrumental in this regard.

Conclusion

Border security is a pertinent issue as regards the mandate of the DHS. Maintaining a closed border policy is necessary despite embracing a free trade policy. Statistics indicate that border security is inevitable.