The new Secretary of Homeland Security

Assume you are the new Secretary of Homeland Security. You are drafting a Policy Document referred to as a “White Paper” for the Biden Administration to highlight the impact of open/closed borders in the age of COVID-19 on migration, asylum seekers, and economic recovery. In this white paper, consider the following to frame your paper.

Define what YOU believe an “OPEN” vs “CLOSED” border means especially when dealing with those seeking asylum. Reminder, that you can provide your opinion without using “I think” or something similar.
How do you believe illegal migrants can be treated humanely and with dignity/inclusion?
How does an “open” vs a “closed” border impact the United States economy?
What are your recommendations for the next 12-24 months on specific steps that the new administration needs to take?

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

 

An open border is a border that is freely passable by people and goods. A closed border is a border that is heavily guarded and difficult to cross without permission.

In the context of asylum seekers, an open border would allow anyone seeking asylum to enter the country and apply for asylum without fear of being deported. A closed border would make it very difficult for asylum seekers to enter the country, and those who did manage to enter might be deported.

Full Answer Section

 

 

Humane and Dignified Treatment of Illegal Migrants

Illegal migrants should be treated humanely and with dignity, regardless of their immigration status. This means providing them with basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. It also means respecting their human rights and treating them with fairness and compassion.

There are a number of ways to ensure that illegal migrants are treated humanely and with dignity. One way is to establish clear and humane detention standards. Another way is to provide access to legal representation and due process. Finally, it is important to create a path to citizenship for illegal migrants who meet certain requirements.

Impact of Open vs Closed Borders on the U.S. Economy

The impact of open and closed borders on the U.S. economy is complex and there is no consensus among economists. Some economists argue that open borders would boost the economy by increasing the labor supply and promoting innovation. Others argue that open borders would depress wages and strain public services.

There is some evidence to support both of these views. For example, a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that immigration has a positive impact on the U.S. economy overall. However, the study also found that immigration can have negative impacts on low-skilled workers in certain industries.

Ultimately, the impact of open and closed borders on the U.S. economy depends on a variety of factors, including the overall state of the economy, the specific policies implemented, and the characteristics of the immigrants themselves.

Recommendations for the Next 12-24 Months

The following are some specific steps that the Biden administration can take to address the issue of immigration in the next 12-24 months:

  • Increase the number of refugees admitted to the United States. The Trump administration set a historically low refugee admissions cap. The Biden administration should increase the cap to reflect the United States’ commitment to providing refuge to those who are fleeing persecution.
  • Expand access to asylum. The Biden administration should make it easier for asylum seekers to apply for asylum and to have their cases heard fairly. This could involve expanding the number of asylum officers, providing more legal assistance to asylum seekers, and streamlining the asylum process.
  • Reform the immigration detention system. The Biden administration should implement humane detention standards and ensure that all detainees have access to legal representation and due process.
  • Create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The Biden administration should work with Congress to pass legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain requirements. This would allow undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows, contribute to the economy, and live without fear of deportation.

In addition to these steps, the Biden administration should also work to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence in Central America. This could involve providing foreign aid to these countries and working to improve their economies.

Conclusion

The issue of immigration is complex and there is no easy solution. However, by taking the steps outlined above, the Biden administration can make progress towards creating a more humane and inclusive immigration system.

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