(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Operation Gatekeeper


This led to the formation of a program south of San Diego, California modeled on Operation Hold the Line called Operation Gatekeeper (Nevins 23-24). .
             The methods of enforcement and the misconduct subsequently carried out can be traced to the atmosphere surrounding the issue of immigration in America. Politicians such as American presidents Nixon, Reagan and Clinton and California Governor Pete Wilson have promoted an image of "out-of-control borders"(Lorey 43). Even before recent terrorist attacks in the United States, immigration was made a national security issue. As such, the image of the immigrant had been fused with that of the criminal (Nevins, 56). One such widely held misconception is that Mexican immigrants bring nothing but drugs, crime and filth, along with economic costliness by taking advantage of social service resources (Operation Gatekeeper: -New Resources- 1). However, a study by the National Academy of Sciences found that "immigrants contribute $1,800 more in taxes than they receive in services- (Overcoming the Walls n.pag). Yet it is the federal government that takes these revenues, not the local communities, which in turn creates the illusion that immigrants are an economic drain on the community (Immigration & Naturalization Services n.pag.). .
             In a nation that prides itself on being built almost entirely by immigrants, it is hard to believe that the government supports such an anti-immigrant policy. A Border Patrol agent in charge of the Campo station goes on to state, "Eventually, we'd like to see them all out in the desert " out in isolated places where we've got the upper hand- ( qtd. Congressional Testimony of "Border Czar- Alan Bersin, 4/23/97).
             These "operations- by the INS, Gatekeeper in San Diego, Hold the Line in El Paso and Rio Grande in Brownsville, all serve to push the flow of immigrant traffic away from traditionally popular areas. Technology such as new lighting, miles of fencing, ground sensors, mobile infra-red night scope cameras, more vehicles and computerized systems assists the Border Patrol in doing so.


Essays Related to Operation Gatekeeper


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question