After the Attacks: Protecting Borders and Liberties

Publication Date: November 2001

Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Author(s): Doris Meissner

Research Area: Population and demographics

Type: Brief

Abstract:

The September 11 terrorist attacks abruptly shifted the U.S. immigration debate from liberalizing policy with Mexico to deep misgivings about border controls. To combat terrorism, the United States must strengthen the weak links in its immigration system. This effort should concentrate on prevention by improving visa screening and admission decisions, the country's first line of defense. Other important measures to modernize systems that provide information about visitors, including foreign students, can be implemented reasonably quickly.

Although not fail-safe, these near-term improvements to the immigration system will establish a necessary balance between enforcing controls and facilitating movement. This balance, which has often been lacking, will enable the United States to deter threats more effectively yet continue to capitalize on the benefits of immigration. The nation thus will maintain its openness to the world and defense of civil liberties while ensuring that immigration rules are made to matter.