How to Delay International Fence Construction

If you're convinced that the international border fence along the US and Mexican border is an ineffective or inhumane solution to the illegal immigration problem, there are ways to delay its construction. A legal roadblock is the best way to accomplish your goal, using existing environmental laws. Here's how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Join an environmental group such as Defenders of Wildlife. Convince the group that a border fence will destroy or at least disturb the ecological balance of the regions where the government plans to build the fence. Enlist the support of other environmental and political groups to oppose the building of the fence.
2. Catalog the species of plants and animals affected by the construction of the fence. Target endangered species in these regions. Study drainage and erosion patterns in the area and determine how the construction will increase the threat to the landscape.
3. Consult with an environmental attorney to write a brief describing the negative effects of the fence project. Emphasize the dangers of proceeding with the fence before completing an environmental impact study. Try to get public support for your cause and form protest groups to publicize the problem.
4. File a request for a temporary restraining order in federal court and argue the case before a federal judge. Get press coverage of the proceedings to increase political pressure on the government. Argue that the Department of Homeland Security is usurping the authority of the Legislative branch of government and that the 2006 Secure Fence Act gives too much power to the Executive branch.