Chertoff Shoves His Foot In His Mouth

Homeland Creating Insecurities Secretary Michael Chertoff may not have realized it but he stuck his foot in his mouth and might never get it out. He spoke about the border Monday and how he sees that environmental issues are negatively affected by immigrants, not the giant (and idiotic) fence under construction. To him, the fence actually helps the environment.

From The Contra Costa Times:

"Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas," Chertoff said in a telephone interview. "And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment."

To curb illegal immigration, the U.S. government plans to complete 670 miles of fencing on the southwest border by the end of 2008.

But this has drawn complaints about damaging the cross-border economy and hurting the environment.

Wildlife enthusiasts fear the natural wonders of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas could be spoiled by fences and barriers and could harm some animals by cutting them off from the only source of fresh water.

Chertoff will also ensure that no one goes to court by invoking an environmental waiver passed by the 109th Congress. Not only does this statement show his ignorance about environmental studies in the Southwest, he obviously doesn't understand much when it comes to immigration and the border.

See, people are going to cross no matter what. Even if it takes five times to successfully make the harsh journey. Even if Chertoff talks his ass off about how the fence will solve everything. Economic realities in the world will trump political bullshit and xenophobia anyday. As long as there is a demand for immigrant labor and people in Latin America willing to meet that demand, no fence will stop that from happening.