Holding the Line? The Effect of Recent Border Build-up on Unauthorized Immigration
Belinda I. Reyes, Hans P. Johnson, and Richard Van Swearingen

July 2002

Controlling unauthorized immigration along the U.S.-Mexican border has become an increasingly important national objective. Despite initial bipartisan support for this strategy, concerns about its effectiveness are beginning to emerge. This report addresses the following questions:

• Has increased border enforcement changed decisions to migrate?
• Has it changed where and how people cross the U.S.-Mexican border?
• Has it led to an increase in migrant deaths?
• Has it altered how long immigrants stay once they arrive?
• Has it reduced the total number of unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.?
• What other policy options might help curb unauthorized immigration?