Blurred Borders - International Community Foundation

implementing such a system at the busiest border crossing in the world. Local business concerns have
been echoed by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) which issued a study in October 2003 that was highly critical of
DHS’s implementation plan for US VISIT, ‘red flagging’ that the program’s huge size and complexity, aggressive schedule,
unresolved governance structures, and potentially high cost make it "a very risky endeavor." 45
Concerns over potential bioterrorism threats have also led the U.S. Congress to enact the
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 ("the
Bioterrorism Act" or PL107-188) intended to enhance the security of the United States food
supply. Under the provisions of this act, foreign food producers and manufacturers, including
all Mexican exporters of agricultural and food products, into the United States must preregister
with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as providing prior notice of
intended food shipments including the description of the article, the manufacturer and shipper,
the grower (if known), the country of origin, the country from which the article is shipped, and
the anticipated port of entry. 46
At the state level, Governor Schwarzenegger rescinded the previously approved law to issue
driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, citing national security concerns. Under
California state law all driver’s license applicants are required to provide a valid Social Security
number and proof of legal presence to obtain a California Driver’s License. The rescinded law
would have eliminated that requirement. Bill sponsors argued that up to two million
undocumented immigrants are already driving without proper licenses and the legislation would
have improved public safety by helping to ensure that all drivers pass a driving exam and have
insurance.
The convergence of new homeland security measures, coupled with heightened public concern
over potential increased international terrorist threats at the border, has significantly changed
U.S.-Mexico relations. For the growing number of undocumented immigrants in San Diego
County, the impacts of September 11 th have been profound. Increased security at the border
has dramatically reduced circular migration back to Mexico for many migrants. This has
resulted in more undocumented migrants permanently settling in San Diego County and, in
many cases, an increased incidence of poverty in both rural and urban areas of the region.
According to a health service worker in North County, recent Border Patrol patrolling of bus
and trolley line stops has also resulted in a growing incidence of migrants limiting their travel,
resulting in increased loneliness and isolation, which contributes to an increased incidence of
undue stress and mental illness. 47 Given the dependence that so many Southern California
residents have on the automobile, this sense of isolation was further cemented by the reversal
of the planned issuance of driver licenses to undocumented residents.
45 “Homeland Security: Risks Facing Key Border and Transportation Security Programs Need to Be Addressed:
Report to Congressional Committees” Washington, D.C: General Accounting Office (GAO), Report # GAO-03-
1083, September 2003; Patience Wait, “GAO Sees Rising Risks in US VISITS,” Washington Technology, October
13, 2003, Volume 13, No. 14. page 1.
46 US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), “Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and
Response Act of 2002 (PL107-188)” July 17, 2002.
47 Interview with North County health service worker, October 2003.
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