Fencing Out Endangered Species

Far too many environmentalists fall for anti-immigrant racism. They complain about the detritus that border crossers leave behind in order to stay light as they race for the North. And they too often support the construction of the border fence, implying in their arguments that undocumented immigrants are no more than human trash.*

But immigration is driven by the same neo-liberal forces that have all but overturned hard-won federal and state powers to protect the environment from industry and development. Most importantly, the North American Free Trade Agreement allows companies to challenge environmental regulations as barriers to trade. It has also allowed US agriculture corporations to strike down Mexican tariffs on farm products. By flooding Mexico with cheap corn and beans, American companies are driving another generation of farmers off the land, driving a fresh wave of migrants onto the road north.

Moreover, militarization of the border is seriously disrupting some of the most remote and healthy North American ecosystems. Non-stop SUV, ATV, helicopter, and foot traffic along the border is taking a heavy toll on sensitive arid wildernesses. And because the Department of Homeland Security can overrule any environmental restrictions that impede its plans, the fence is being built through the middle of regions that should be treated as international treasures.

In Arizona's remote Coronado National Forest, a few jaguars have begun to repopulate the area just north of the border after the endangered species was extirpated from the US by government bounty hunters. One of the Southwest's most inspiring animals, this large predator is also an important indicator of its habitat's overall health. The 12- to 18-foot border fence will bisect its newly established range, almost certainly putting an end to its recovery and that of the Baboquivari mountains it has only recently reclaimed.

Cat Fight on the Border (HCN)

* Thanks to Sarah Jacqette at the University of Oregon for this insight.