By David N. Harding, Staff Writer
For years, the American Left has characterized border security as harsh, xenophobic, or even racist. But the facts—and common sense—tell a different story. A secure border is not just a matter of law enforcement. It is a matter of national sovereignty, public safety, economic fairness, and human dignity. It's not only good for Americans—it's good for those seeking to become Americans the right way.
While progressives push for sanctuary cities and paths to citizenship for those who entered illegally, conservatives are making the case for a secure, legal, and humane immigration system. The difference couldn't be clearer—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
A Secure Border Is a Safe America
At the heart of the issue is public safety. When borders are weak, cartels and human traffickers thrive. In 2023 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a record 2.48 million migrant encounters at the southern border (CBP, FY2023 Stats). Many of those attempting to cross were exploited by smuggling networks, often paying thousands of dollars to make the dangerous journey north. Many never make it. According to the Washington Post, more than 850 migrants died attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022, making it the deadliest year ever recorded (Washington Post, Jan. 2023).
These aren't just statistics—they're lives lost because of an open-border mindset. When the federal government signals that crossing the border illegally may result in release into the U.S., it fuels false hope, enriches cartels, and turns our southern frontier into a humanitarian graveyard. Securing the border would save lives—not end them.
Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl and Crime
A secure border is also essential for stopping the deadly flow of drugs into our communities. Fentanyl—a synthetic opioid largely trafficked across the southern border—has become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18–45. In 2023, CBP seized over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl at the border (CBP Drug Seizure Report, 2023), enough to kill millions. As Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) rightly stated, "The border is not just a Texas problem—it’s a national security and public health emergency."
Open borders also increase the likelihood of criminals and known gang members entering the U.S. While most migrants seek better lives, it takes only a few bad actors to inflict violence on American communities. From MS-13 gang members to individuals on the terror watchlist, a porous border is an open invitation to those who wish to harm the nation.
Upholding the Rule of Law and National Sovereignty
The U.S. is a nation of immigrants—but also of laws. Conservatives believe that immigration must be legal, orderly, and merit-based. As former President Trump often said, “A country without borders is not a country.” When individuals cross illegally and face no consequences, it sends a clear message: American laws are optional. That erodes the very foundation of our republic.
This is why Texas Representative Richard Raymond introduced House Bill 1544 to seek federal reimbursement for the billions Texas has spent defending its own border in the absence of federal action (Laredo Morning Times, March 2025). Border security isn’t just a state issue—it’s a constitutional responsibility of the federal government, and when it fails, states are forced to act.
Protecting Legal Immigrants and Economic Fairness
Illegal immigration also places an unfair burden on those who follow the rules. Every year, thousands of legal immigrants wait months—or even years—for visas, green cards, or citizenship. By cutting the line, illegal entrants not only disregard the law, but they also undermine faith in the system itself. True compassion respects the rule of law and the dignity of every applicant—especially those who wait their turn.
Moreover, mass illegal immigration depresses wages and puts pressure on working-class Americans. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, illegal labor disproportionately harms low-income citizens, particularly Black and Hispanic workers, by undercutting wages in construction, agriculture, and service industries (CIS Report, 2021).
A Secure Border Respects Human Life
Contrary to progressive talking points, building a secure border doesn’t mean rejecting immigrants—it means protecting them. It deters the dangerous journey through cartel-controlled territory. It discourages exploitation. And it ensures that the United States can maintain an immigration process rooted in dignity and lawfulness.
As Sheriff Gary Redman of Amador County, California, recently put it, his refusal to cooperate with sanctuary laws isn’t about politics—it’s about keeping communities safe. “It’s not just about enforcing the law,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle in March 2025, “it’s about protecting innocent lives from criminals who should not be here.”
Conclusion: The Conservative Vision for Border Security
The conservative approach to immigration is not fueled by hatred or fear—it’s driven by common sense and compassion. We want a system that works for all Americans and honors the dream of those who come here legally to pursue a better life. That means finishing the wall. It means enforcing the law. It means saying no to sanctuary cities and yes to public safety. It means restoring the immigration principles laid out by President Trump: merit-based, secure, and in America’s national interest.
Let the progressives call it cruel. The truth is: there is nothing more compassionate than securing our border—for Americans and immigrants alike.
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