US TS 1RD

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School

Southern New Hampshire University *

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202

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Political Science

Date

Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by CommodoreSandpiperMaster360

Government in My Community Template Name: Autumn Jenkins Date: 02/24/2024 1. What is the issue or problem that is impacting your community? Describe the issue or problem and its effects. (Remember to use in-text citations anytime you paraphrase, summarize, quote, or include data or statistics from your sources!) The city of El Paso, located in the state of Texas, is currently facing the challenging issue of illegal border crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border. The porous nature of the border in certain areas has resulted in a continuous influx of people attempting to enter the United States without proper authorization. This issue has caused multiple complex impacts on the local community and has emerged as one of the critical challenges for the city in recent years. This situation has caused a myriad of challenges for the local community. The increased flow of people has resulted in higher crime rates, putting a strain on the local police force and leaving residents feeling less secure. The influx of people has also placed significant pressure on public resources such as healthcare and education, which are already stretched thin. Additionally, the high number of people attempting to cross the border illegally has affected the local economy, with businesses needing help to cope with the influx of people. Furthermore, this issue has also strained the relationship between the United States and Mexico, as both countries have yet to develop a long-term solution. Despite these challenges, the local community has been working tirelessly to address the issue and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. 2. In the U.S. federal system, which level of government (local, state or national) or branch (executive, legislative, or judicial) is responsible for addressing the issue? Is there more than one? Explain your reasoning. Be sure to include evidence from the U.S. Constitution and from the course to support your explanation. In the United States federal system, the responsibility of dealing with the issue of illegal border crossings is shared among various levels of government and branches. The primary responsibility lies with the federal government, as stipulated in the U.S. Constitution. The federal government is responsible for creating immigration policies, enforcing immigration laws, and ensuring border security. According to the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the power to establish uniform rules of naturalization and regulate commerce with foreign nations, which includes matters related to immigration (U.S. Const. Art. I, Sec. 8). 1

States and local governments also have a role to play in addressing the issue, but their powers to create and enforce independent immigration laws are limited. The Supremacy Clause of the Constitution establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law in cases of conflict (U.S. Const. Art. VI, Cl. 2). Therefore, while states and localities can collaborate with federal agencies, they are not authorized to create their own immigration policies that contradict federal law. 3. Identify all of the government officials discussed in your sources. Include their names and the level of government and agency that the officials represent. For example, are they a member of Congress? A city council member? Or a member of a federal, state, city, or county agency? The recent increase in migration has prompted the U.S. government, led by President Biden, to take significant steps to address the situation's complexities regarding both security and humanitarian aspects. The government has established temporary facilities to accommodate the migrant population and has collaborated with the Department of Defense and the National Guard to ensure the safety and well-being of the migrants. Additionally, the government has also provided emergency funding to tackle the issue, which has helped to alleviate some of the challenges associated with the situation. Despite these efforts, the government has faced criticism and challenges due to the complexity of the problem and the more prominent geopolitical factors influencing migration patterns. These factors include economic instability, violence, and natural disasters in countries of origin, which have forced people to flee their homes in search of a better life. The situation has been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on migration patterns and border policies. While the government's efforts have been admirable, there is still much work to be done to address the root causes of the problem and provide long-term solutions. The situation requires a collaborative effort from the international community to ensure that migration is safe and orderly, and that the human rights of migrants are protected. 4. How have these government officials attempted to address the issue? Describe their actions, citing evidence from all five articles or other online sources with in-text citations. The U.S.-Mexico border issue is a multifaceted problem that has been tackled by the government through a range of measures. However, it is difficult to determine their effectiveness due to the broader context of the issue and the need for long-term strategies. Several factors contribute to the problem, including economic conditions, 2

violence, and political instability in Central American countries. To address the root causes of migration and promote international cooperation for long-term solutions, a more comprehensive and sustained approach is necessary. This approach requires federal, state, and local governments to collaborate and implement diplomatic initiatives that address the socio-economic and political challenges in Central American countries. This will help mitigate the push factors that contribute to illegal migration. To achieve this goal, it is essential to recognize that the issue is not solely a border problem but rather a regional and international one. Addressing the issue comprehensively requires strategic planning, international collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to human rights that extends beyond the immediate border region. A comprehensive approach must also consider the needs of the migrants themselves, including their rights to asylum and protection. The first step in addressing the root causes of migration is to address the socio- economic and political challenges in Central American countries. This involves investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to promote economic growth and stability. It also requires addressing corruption and promoting good governance to ensure that public resources are used effectively and that citizens are protected from violence and oppression. Another vital aspect of a comprehensive approach is to recognize the role of the United States in creating the conditions that contribute to migration. U.S. foreign policy has historically played a significant role in destabilizing Central American countries, and addressing these issues requires a willingness to acknowledge this role and work to rectify it. In conclusion, addressing the U.S.-Mexico border issue requires a comprehensive and sustained approach that recognizes the complexity of the problem and the need for long-term solutions. This approach requires federal, state, and local governments to collaborate, implement diplomatic initiatives, and recognize the role of the United States in creating the conditions that contribute to migration. By doing so, we can promote international cooperation, mitigate the push factors that contribute to illegal migration, and ensure that the rights of migrants are protected. 5. In your opinion, has the government done a good job addressing the issue? Why or why not? What more should be done, and by which level of government? 3

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