Editor's Note: Immigration Reform Critical To National Security

Rarely would Sen. Edward Kennedy and I see eye-to-eye in politics, but he recently said that “failure to pass immigration reforms would push illegal immigrants into isolation and create breeding grounds for homegrown terrorists.” One need only look at the deadly attacks in Europe. The Massachusetts Democrat is right. 

Kennedy is a leading proponent of legislation that would grant the nearly 12 million illegal immigrants lawful status. We disagree on this point, but he is right by pointing out that alienation and immigration problems in European nations have led to terrorist acts.

He’s probably right. Look what’s happened in London, where in 2005, bombings killed 52 people. Look what’s happened in France, Germany and Spain. It’s homegrown international terrorism. Kennedy said passing such legislation in the United States is critical to the country’s national security, and I argue that effective U.S. border security increases international security.

The fact is our borders are as porous as a fruit strainer. Everywhere you look, there’s a hole for illegal aliens to come right on through.

Kennedy said that by assimilating people of other cultures (he said Muslims), they will feel involved and have a stake in national security. Brian Darling, a spokesman for the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., said the argument “doesn’t hold water.”

It seems to me that if the United States would secure its borders and stick to it, our concerns would then rest upon homegrown terrorists. We have them just as European nations have had theirs. The largest homegrown terror plot was the alleged plan to attack Fort Dix in New Jersey. The suspects supposedly had no connections to al-Qaeda, but the young Muslin men had recorded a jihadi videotape.

International security must give way to homegrown terrorism and terrorists. That means players in the security arena must share information. International border security is paramount.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.