Stats on U.S.-Mexico border: fewer crossings but more deaths

Different sets of statistics have shown mixed results from recent measures taken by the U.S. to secure their border with Mexico. Data from the Department of Homeland Security have shown a 27% decrease in the number of migrants caught by the Border Patrol. As James C. McKinley Jr. reported:

“Border Patrol commanders argue the slackening flow of migrants belies the conventional wisdom that it is impossible to stem illegal migration along a 2,000 mile, or 3,200 kilometer, border. Many veteran officers in the force are now beginning to believe that with sufficient resources, it can be controlled”.

Yet one the other hand there has been a sharp increase in the number of deaths by migrants trying to cross the border. According to a report by the Binational Migration Institute (BMI) at the University of Arizona, 201 people died in 2005 while trying to cross the border compared to only nine in 2000. The director of the BMI said that:

“Since the militarization of the border, people have begun turning to more dangerous crossing areas…People would rather take the risk and cross where there's less chance they will get caught.”

Some recent steps taken by Washington to curb illegal immigration include erecting a 700-mile fence along the U.S.’ southern border, harsher punishments for illegal border crossers, and deploying the National Guard to assist the Border Patrol. But are those measures sufficient to stem the flow of illegal immigration? What do you think?

Links- International Herald Tribune, The Latin Americanist, KLTV

Image- New York Times (U.S. National Guard troops by the Colorado River in Arizona)