Insecurity and Economic Inequality in the United States

Abstract

In recent memory, the United States has lived under a heightened sense of insecurity. This sense of insecurity, which initially emanated from the terrorist attacks in September 2001, subsequently has been extended to the employment and financial sectors. As a response to terrorism, multiple Congressional laws have put added restrictions on the movement of humans, capital, and goods and services. On the whole, such policy changes have contributed to a climate of securitization of the major areas of American life. The sense of insecurity has been correlated with a level of economic inequality previously unseen in American history. It is argued that to address both issues simultaneously, the United States should foster improved relations with both Mexico and Canada. The pending legislation in the US Congress on comprehensive immigration reform may hold one of the keys to addressing the problems of both insecurity and inequality in a meaningful way.