Border Stories

 
A study by the Mexican government reports that nearly 70% of its citizens who migrate to the Unites States do so illegally (i.e., without documents). Of that number, 55% hire smugglers to gain entry to the U.S.

According to Mexico's National Population Council, the majority of Mexicans now living in the U.S. -- 6.2 million -- entered the country illegally. The Mexican-born population living in the U.S. has swollen from 800,000 in 1970 to more than 11 million in 2006.

What about the fence that was authorized in 2006?

At this juncture, it's worth recalling the 2006 "Secure Fence Act," signed into law just before the midterm elections. It called for 700 miles of reinforced double fencing, additional physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors.

More than a year later, citizen watchdog group Grassfire reports that only five -- that's five -- miles of compliant fencing has been constructed. As for the other 99.3%, well?

As part of the omnibus spending package passed [in mid-December], House Democrats incorporated Senate Republicans' provisions to remove the two-layer fencing requirements and the specific target list of fencing locations...

Next time you hear a leading presidential candidate try to woo you with his nine-point immigration enforcement plan or his secure ID plan or his Secure Borders platform, point to the Incredible Disappearing Border Fence. ...That [disappearing act] is what happens to election-season homeland security promises. Why would theirs be any different?

What's worse is that this endemic, official disregard for border security has morphed into other malignancies.

On campus

During the November Democratic debate in Las Vegas, CNN was alleged to have portrayed Democratic Party operatives as "ordinary, undecided voters." One of the operatives was George Ambriz. Various blog and discussion board posts tied Ambriz to the Democratic Party and a group called MEChA.

...my name is George R. Ambriz, former student of Western New Mexico University, more importantly, a former M.E.Ch.A. President... we worked in sync... with the local and state Democratic Party to inform many people about the importance of voting...

What is MECHa?

MEChA chapters first took root on California college campuses and then expanded to high schools and schools in other states. It soon became one of the primary Mexican-American organizations, hosting functions, developing community leaders, and politically pressuring educational institutions. MEChA was fundamental in the adoption of Chicano Studies programs and departments in academia...

Much of the criticism of MEChA concerns its intent to "reclaim Aztlán" (i.e., the Southwestern portion of the United States).

...we are a Chicana and Chicano student movement directly linked to Aztlán. As Chicanas and Chicanos of Aztlán, we are a nationalist movement of Indigenous Gente that lay claim to the land that is ours by birthright. As a nationalist movement we seek to free our people from the exploitation of an oppressive society that occupies our land...

Put simply, MEChA's mission appears straightforward: overthrow the United States Government and establish a new form of government.

Summary

Let's sum up the wonderful state of border security.

• Using the Mexican government's official count, over 6.2 million of its nationals entered the U.S. illegally, the majority utilizing smugglers to facilitate their entry.
• During the runup to the '06 elections, 700 miles of a secure border fence were authorized. A year later, exactly five (5) miles have been completed.
• And, from all appearances, it's perfectly acceptable for college campuses to sanction radical groups that intend the violent overthrow of the U.S. Government.

Remember this when voting in 2008.

Hat tip: Mike in Iraq. Also see:
* Hot Air: MS-13 vandalizes New Haven veterans' memorial?
* Hot Air: John McCain claims he's learned we need to enforce the borders
* Moonbattery: Aztlan