When the discussion turns to the U.S.-Mexico border, living less than an hour away has its privileges. I've covered the international boundary from three states (California, Arizona and Texas) and from every conceivable angle -- including from the air. I once went up in a Border Patrol helicopter that started at the Pacific Ocean and flew east over the fence line. On the Mexican side, homeowners in Tijuana were using the scrap metal wall put up by U.S. taxpayers as their backyard fence. Down the road, groups of young men waited patiently for their chance to cross. What Americans consider an impenetrable barrier, the desperate and determined see as a speed bump on the road to a better life.
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Ruben Navarrette: Tightened border security won't prevent immigration
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He says Washington's moves reveal ignorance about 1,969 mile U.S.-Mexico border
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If people are intent on getting across, they'll find a way, he says
So all things being equal, more @placeholder are deciding that migrating to "el norte" isn't worth the hassle.