What does open/closed borders mean to you?

[callgary]

Originally Posted by tinman01

Open border = Unlimited and uncontroled access to our country. This is a no win senario for the USA.
Closed border= A controled border where entry is controled. Only those with a valid VISA will be allowed to enter. The routes used by drug smugglers would be eliminated as would illegal immigration.
This is a win senario for the USA.

Actually, what you describe as a "closed border" is, in fact, an example of a "controlled border" and not a "closed border." (See [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_border]Open border - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url] and scroll down to "controlled border".) The Berlin Wall (for those of us who remember it), North and South Korea, India and Pakistan are examples of "closed borders." It is my belief that the majority of Americans who talk about "closing" our borders really mean "controlling" our borders. This requires controlling not only the flow of visitors and workers crossing our borders, but also enforcing our laws and regulations pertaining to these visitors and workers. When we fail in this enforcement , then we necessarily create an "open border" condition. There are certainly arguments to be made in favor of open borders but, in today's world, in my opinion, they are idealistic, impractical, and are likely to undermine the relative safety and freedom we enjoy within our U.S. borders. : )

[tinman01]

Originally Posted by callgary

Actually, what you describe as a "closed border" is, in fact, an example of a "controlled border" and not a "closed border." (See Open border - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and scroll down to "controlled border".) The Berlin Wall (for those of us who remember it), North and South Korea, India and Pakistan are examples of "closed borders." It is my belief that the majority of Americans who talk about "closing" our borders really mean "controlling" our borders. This requires controlling not only the flow of visitors crossing our borders, byt also enforcing our laws and regulations pertaining to these visitors. When we fail in this enforcement , then we necessarily create an "open border" condition. There are certainly arguments to be made in favor of open borders but, in today's world, in my opinion, they are idealistic, impractical, and are likely to undermine the relative safety and freedom we enjoy within our U.S. borders. : )

Fair enough

[callgary]

Originally Posted by getout

This is what results in just semi-open borders:

[url=http://www.theamericanresistance.com/ref/illegal_alien_numbers.html]Numbers of illegal aliens in the U.S. by Fred Elbel - THE AMERICAN RESISTANCE FOUNDATION - Information on immigration counters -[/url]

causing over burdened societal and governemtnal structures.

To close them would end the problem.

Open Borders=allowing any to access the USA anytime.

Closed Borders=allowing legal immigrants to enter when and if the USA wants them.

When it comes to a discussion on policies governing borders, it is beneficial to understand that the terms "open" and "closed" have particular legal meanings, as opposed to common conversational meanings. It would be advantageous for us to understand that a "closed border" is exemplified by the Berlin Wall (for those of us old enough to remember it ;-), North and South Korea, India and Pakistan.
There is a third type of border policy - a "controlled" border, wherein the flow of visitors and workers is controlled. Specific laws and regulations are enacted which place certain restrictions on these visitors and workers and it is incumbent upon us to enforce these laws and regulations. Without enforcement, we invite an open border condition which, in today's world is probably idealistic, impractical from an economic standpoint, and unsafe in regards to terrorist and other illegal activities.
Reference: [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_border]Open border - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url] (Scroll down to "controlled border")

[malamute]

Well the southern border is far from controlled, much less closed. There is very little control. Border crossing cards are very easily obtained, very cheap, and absolutely nothing is done about those who cross over and never go back home.