...increases the premium people will pay to someone who can get the job done. CNN reports:
DOLORES HIDALGO, Mexico (AP) -- Barely 18, Jose belongs to Mexico's new generation of migrant smugglers -- young, savvy and happy to see Uncle Sam further tighten border security.
Why? It's good for business, he says.
Jose figures more migrants will seek his help if the U.S. Senate approves legislation to double the Border Patrol and put up a virtual wall of unmanned vehicles, cameras and sensors to monitor the 2,000-mile border with Mexico.
If you want to know what would happen next, just look to the drug trade. The article continues...
"The new generation of migrant smugglers are youths who see their clients as merchandise," [Mexican border expert Victor] Clark said. "Many of them abandon the migrants in the desert or give them drugs, or tell migrants they know the way when they don't, and they end up dying along with the migrants. Others have turned to violence to steal clients from other smugglers."
The Law of Unintended Consequences rears its ugly head yet again.
I think it is hopeless to try to close borders, and immigrants will continue to suffer horribly. I suggest tougher enforcement on the US side. Go after the companies who hire illegals, because they are really exploiting these people. As it becomes less attractive to hire illegal aliens for fear of prosecution, the appeal of migrating to the US illegally will wane and people will come across legally instead.