The “Let’s build a Wall” debate is center stage in the discussion surrounding Comprehensive Immigration Reform. A secondary story to that debate is the destructive effect that “enhanced” border security is having on the communities along the Northern border. For hundreds of years, Canadians and Americans have developed towns, cities, and communities along the border. These communities do not just touch each other at the border – but extend to both sides of the border. Communities have relied on neighbors from both sides to provide medical, emergency and general, neighborly support to each other.
Now, with the “enhanced” border security measures being put into place, many of these communities are being torn apart. The latest example is the closing of the Morses Line crossing by the Department of Homeland Security. Now, neighbors who want to see each other will be required to travel nearly 40 minutes out of their way. How long will that two hundred year old community last? How many less international friendships will be formed because of the measure? International diplomacy starts at the individual level.