Immigrants or terrorists? : U.S. immigration policies and national security under the George W. Bush administration, 2001-2009

Abstract

The greatest challenge that faces the United States, as a consequence of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, is to discern the balance that exists between stopping entry to immigrants who pose a possible terrorist threat, and welcoming the immigrants who maintain a legitimate incentive to the United States. Former President George W. Bush, believed that immigration made the country successful and therefore worked hard to keep the borders open to them; however, the numerous bill which were enacted during his administration, focus on strengthening border security through a zero tolerance policy, and national security through a preventative strategy, to combat specifically terrorism, but also drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and money laundering.