The issue of immigration in the U.S. is a contentious topic. The deportation of undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds has been among the key issues discussed in the U.S. President Trump's administration has been vigilant in deporting undocumented individuals, especially if they have a criminal record. Having a criminal background is reason enough for deportation as one could affect public safety. Immigrants with criminal records living in the U.S. need to be deported back to their countries as they pause a significant threat to other American citizens and also hinder the realization of the DHS's goal of securing U.S. borders.
Mission for Examination
DHS Goal: Secure U.S. Borders and approaches.
Threat leading to Homeland Security Vulnerability
Illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds pause a significant threat to national security (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, 2016). These individuals are likely to indulge in more criminal activity, such as selling drugs or being involved in gang-related violence. By engaging in such activities, these undocumented individuals make American neighborhoods unsafe (Homeland Security, 2020). The DHS is then rendered vulnerable as it is unable to meet its goal of securing American borders and facilitating national security.
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Associated Issues that Affect the Resolution of Homeland Security Vulnerability
National security is compromised by the DHS's inability to secure American borders. This vulnerability is strengthened by the lack of efficient construction and maintenance of tactical infrastructure and the lack of efficient monitoring surveillance technology along the borders (Congressional Research Service, 2019). These two factors ensure that all undocumented individuals are able to cross into the U.S., where they come to conduct their criminal activities and affect national security.
Constitutional Issues That Must be Resolved to Address the Vulnerability
The DHS aims to protect Americans by keeping the borders safe and taking action to stop illegal immigration (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, 2016). There are existing constitutional loopholes that facilitate illegal immigration like the right of persons to due process, right to legal counsel, and right to be with one's family (Almeida, 2013). These provisions do not specify if they only cover American citizens and can be argued to protect undocumented individuals in the U.S.
Questions About the Issue That Can Be Address for Further Research
Does the constitution offer illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds the right to stay with their families in the country?
The constitution is not clear on whether illegal immigrants have this right. This brings confusion and hinders the DHS from adequately protecting the U.S. borders. Addressing this issue ensures that there are no loopholes that help keep these immigrants in the country.
What percentage of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds living in the U.S. end up re-offending?
Some people will argue that undocumented individuals have a lesser chance of committing a crime. Many undocumented persons will not offend to avoid being deported after being arrested. Finding out the answer helps inform the research.
Which factors affect the DHS's goal of securing U.S. borders?
The DHS faces significant challenges in its task of securing American borders. Researching these issues helps in informing the research. It also ensures that novel ways of solving these challenges are created to facilitate national security .
References
Almeida, J. C. M. (2013). The Right to Counsel in Civil Matters: A Legal and Moral Analysis.
Bullock, J. A., Haddow, G. D., & Coppola, D. P. (2016). Introduction to homeland security: Principles of all-hazards risk management (5 th ed.). Waltham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Congressional Research Service. (2019). Selected Homeland Security issues in the 116th Congress. Retrieved from https://fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/R45701.pdf
Homeland Security. (2020). Stopping illegal immigration and securing the border. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/stopping-illegal-immigration-and-securing-border
