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Due diligence and demographic disparities: effects of the planning of U.S.- Mexico border fence on marginalized populations
J. Gaines Wilson, Jude A. Benavides, Karen Engle, Denise Gilman, Anthony Reisinger, Jessica Spangler, and Joe Lemen
In the buildup to the construction the U.S.-Mexico border fence by the United States Department of Homeland Security (USDHS), much attention was drawn to security, drug enforcement, and immigration issues. However, there was little quantitative analysis regarding which populations were most likely to be affected by the proposed fence. Using a geographic information system, we classified census blocks in Cameron County, Texas into one of two categories: either ‘fence’ or ‘gap’. A total of 14 demographic factors were tested for disparities between those living in gap areas and those living in areas exposed to the fence. Twelve of fourteen factors were found to have statistically significant (p < 0.05) disparities between gap and fence designations. Fence-designated areas were lower income ($3,833 lower for 2007) and more Hispanic (94.13% vs. 90.27%; p < 0.01) with a higher percentage of foreign-born residents (11.17% vs. 8.99%; p < 0.01). These results indicate that there were marked and statistically significant disparities in the demographics between groups living in the fence areas and those in the gap areas. Thus, as laid out by USDHS during the planning process, the U.S.-Mexico border fence in Cameron County, Texas would disproportionately affect certain already marginalized groups in an adverse manner, including through loss of ownership and use of their property. While USDHS may have made changes to the route of the border fence before final construction, the government has offered no suggestion that it considered the disparate impact of the fence and then acted to change fence locations on that basis. Beyond security, drug enforcement and immigration, future planning efforts along the border should take into account social justice impacts.
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The Path to Settlement between University of Texas Brownsville and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Juliet V. Garcia
As president of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, which sits adjacent to the border with mexico, I have spent the past eighteen months responding to plans by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to divide our campus with an 18-feet-high fence. I have outlined in the attached document the long and difficult battle we faced, as well as the solution upon which we ultimately agreed. I believe our experience demonstrates that reasonable alternatives exist to the construction of the fence proposed by the government. Indeed, the federal judge who presided over our case proposed that our original settlement with DHS, which required DHS to consult with the university to reach a mutually agreed-upon solution, be used as a model for other property owners along the border.
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Original proposed border fence through UTB/TSC property
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Office of News and Information
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UTB/TSC and DHS agree to study border security alternatives
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Office of News and Information
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Order of dismissal - Civil Action No. B-08-56
United States. District Court (Texas: Southern District) and Andrew S. Hanen
Order of dismissal in United States of America v. 37.52 ACRES OF LAND, more or less, situate in CAMERON COUNTY, STATE OF TEXAS; and TEXAS SOUTHMOST COLLEGE DISTRICT, ET AL.
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Revised proposed border fence through UTB/TSC property
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. Office of News and Information
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University of Texas System Board of Regents Resolution on DHS Right of Entry
The University of Texas System Board of Regents
A resolution by The University of Texas System Board of Regents urging cooperation among stakeholders to ensure border security and allow UTB/TSC to fulfill its educational mission.
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Texas Southmost College District Resolution Urging Alternatives to the U.S./Mexico Pedestrian Border Fence
Chester Gonzalez, Eduardo A. Campirano, University of Texas at Brownsville, and Texas Southmost College
A resolution urging the US government to pursue alternative solutions to a pedestrian border fence proposed in Brownsville.
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The Riparian Bio-Regions of the Lower Rio Grande…and the threats they face from the proposed border wall
Martin Hagne
PDF of original PPT presentation created by Martin Hagne for the Valley Nature Center. The presentation includes regional maps, original photographs, and information on the diverse ecosystems of Starr, Hidalgo, and Cameron Counties, Texas.
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