Back Door for Terrorists

Amid all of the xenophobia and nativism surrounding the immigration debate, there is a real security concern. In the language of the bureaucracy, the problem is referred to as the ”O.T.M.’s,” or Other Than Mexicans.

Found this piece from former National Security Advisor, Richard Clarke, “A Back Door for Terrorists”. I think that it makes a great case for why we need to put pressure on our federal officials to secure our borders, and why attempts at piece-meal enforcement around the country is

• insufficient;
• may put us at greater risk because the federal government is allowing it and may be less inclined to stop it; and,
• leaves loopholes that cannot be closed by local enforcement;

especially when the focus is on Hispanics. Taking a uniform approach has a better opportunity to ensure that rights of legal citizens, residents and visitors are respected.

Since 9/11, it has been far more difficult to get a visa to enter the United States if you are a citizen of a country considered a terrorism concern. But it is not difficult for a Pakistani, for example, to enter Mexico or another Central American country from which he can get to our border relatively easily, cross it and blend in.

Be sure to read it in it’s entirety.