The wall: Trump ups the ante with executive order

President Donald Trump has pushed ahead with his campaign for a border wall between the United States and Mexico by signing an executive order this week calling for its construction.

We understand the American people's frustration with the current immigration system, but we do not believe that an actual wall will solve the problem.

There are many logistical obstacles to building such a wall. It would have to cross some mighty rough country in places and would spoil large sections of pristine wilderness that is included in areas like Big Bend National Park. And much of the land is privately owned, which brings up the issue of landowner rights.

Then there is the cost. Estimates call for as much as $15 billion for construction. Trump says he will find a way to make Mexico pay for the wall, but it isn't exactly clear how that would come about.

No, we don't think the wall is a workable idea. We do believe that there are steps that should be taken to tighten security along the Mexican border. But building a wall is not one of them.

Published in Editorials on January 27, 2017 10:01 AM