http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=511115

An Actual Border



Published On Wednesday, February 08, 2006 3:36 AM

By SHAI D. BRONSHTEIN


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Each year, it is estimated that over a million people cross illegally into the United States over the U.S.-Mexico border. Here, these illegal immigrants find jobs, support groups, and a growing immigrant community all willing to support them in their pursuit of a new life. The act of crossing the border without papers has become so commonplace—it is estimated that there are 5 million illegal Mexican immigrants in the U.S. at any given time—that many Mexicans see the ability to cross into another sovereign nation’s territory unfettered as a basic right.

Now that the House of Representatives has passed a measure to build a wall preventing the influx of illegal immigrants from Mexico, there is outrage from the Mexican government and people. However, this anger is absurd and founded on ridiculous notions. Mexican citizens have no right to free movement between Mexico and the United States, and they must recognize that, while this may not serve their purposes, it is the sovereign right of the U.S. to enforce its laws.

The most egregious problem with the recent uproar within the Mexican community about the building of the wall is that many Mexicans feel that they are essentially entitled to come into the U.S. whenever and however they wish. According to Fernando Robledo, 42, of the western state of Zacatecas, many Mexicans “have a binational life.â€