Border Security: Defining it is the Real Challenge

Abstract

Abstract The idea of border security is a notion that the US has pursued in earnest since September 11, 2001 and continues to be a focus for many Americans. This topic is assuredly going to rise once again as we near our 2016 national elections and the complex, often emotional issue, will take center stage as a heavily discoursed issue. Although there have been significant gains in how we enforce our international borders, there is wide disagreement on the success we have had with our border security efforts. Performance measures for border security are not always clear but there is a mosaic listing of outputs that suggest that border enforcement efforts have been successful. Unfortunately, we have failed to clearly delineate what successful border security efforts look like and before the nation, once again, makes a significant investment in resources we should start with the notion of defining successful border security.