Analyzing Facts and Assumptions: US-Canada Border Security and Tech

This report examines the role of technology in US-Canada border security, focusing on the facts and assumptions presented in the context of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports. The core idea revolves around how technology can enhance border security, including the use of wireless sensor networks and biometric technology. The report analyzes three key assumptions: technology's supportive role, its unintentional consequences, and its potential to change immigration issues. It also highlights the potential drawbacks of technology, such as cybersecurity threats, and its impact on cross-border travel and immigration processes. The analysis underscores the need to consider both the benefits and risks associated with technology implementation in border security, and the need for a structured approach to address potential challenges, including privacy concerns.

Running head: Fact and Assumption Information Paper
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Running head: Fact and Assumption Information Paper
Table of Contents
Problem Statement: DHS Delivers Northern Border Threat Analysis Report to Congress....................3
Core Idea: Technology......................................................................................................................3
Fact and Assumptions........................................................................................................................3
Assumption 1: Technology is a supportive tool for border security...............................................3
Assumption 2: Technology has unintentional consequences.........................................................4
Assumption 3: Technology can Change Immigration Issues.........................................................4
References.........................................................................................................................................5
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Running head: Fact and Assumption Information Paper
Problem Statement: DHS Delivers Northern Border Threat Analysis Report to
Congress
Core Idea: Technology
DHS has found that security issues are disrupting the relationships between countries USA
and Canada. Hence, the core idea for increasing border security is to implement technologies-
oriented methods. However, a universal fact is that automatic entry/exit system through
technology will hamper cross border travelling for individuals. One of the technological
support examples includes the use of wireless sensor network for border surveillance triggers
command centre after gathering raw data to take defend actions (Felemban, 2013). Therefore,
the core idea is that technology could work as an effective mechanism for increasing border
security among two countries and their operations.
Fact and Assumptions
Assumption 1: Technology is a supportive tool for border security
It is one of the assumptions that technology, including any type which could offer protection
at U.S. border. According to the Department of Homeland security, different technologies are
incorporated into it. Some of the technologies are collectively presented such as electro-
optical cameras, X-rays, lasers, chemical detectors, other sensors to limit the entry of illegal
immigrants, as well as drugs (Military & Aerospace Electronics, 2018). Each of such technology
will offer support for border security and will possibly improve the relations with other
countries like Canada. Additionally, border security technologies at the US-Canada
borderline will provide intel for any suspicious activities by generating an alarm.
Several technology-oriented programs are already implemented by the DHS to build a
security feature. Hence, assumptions are made whenever technology will be implemented it
will reduce border issues among the two countries. Whether it is terrorism, suspicious
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Running head: Fact and Assumption Information Paper
activities, immigrants’ concerns, and keeping strict control, Canada and U.S. border should
consider all position options. According to DHS and congress planning measures, a new
system is launched. Border crossing information system now collect personal information
including name, birth date, gender, date and time of crossing so that intelligent investigations
could be undertaken at times of criminal activities.
Assumption 2: Technology has unintentional consequences
Donald Trump has invested in high technology smart border with $100 million, including
unmanned aerial drones and facial recognition systems for improving U.S. border operations
(Cameron, 2019). However, one should assume that technologies do have vast consequences if
not applied properly. However, privacy and security are hampered due to vulnerability with
viruses, hackers, Trojan horse and cybersecurity threats (Chen, 2019). In other words, the
smart border is a thermotical concept; however, technology could have tampered with
cybersecurity issues which could reduce the US-Canada border relationships in a negative
manner.
Assumption 3: Technology can Change Immigration Issues
Technologies are of various types and offer protection against intrusion for suspicious
activities at the border. Immigrants are an essential part for U.S. economic growth captured
2.3 per cent since the year 2000 (House Budget Committee Democrats, 2019). However, the U.S. has
become quite structured to deal with the immigrant problem. With Canada, immigrants come
and visit the U.S. as part of their discovery. The implementation of technology on the US-
Canada border could offer safe immigrant checking. It could also protect suspicious terrorist
entities who visit countries as immigrations. Hence, it could be assumed that biometric
technology as an identification procedure will provide faster immigrant checking protocol
(Rowe, 2018).
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Running head: Fact and Assumption Information Paper
References
Cameron, D. (2019). To Stop the Wall, Democrats Agree to Fund Mass Surveillance Near
U.S. Border. Gizmodo. Retrieved 26 February 2020, from https://gizmodo.com/to-stop-
the-wall-democrats-agree-to-fund-mass-surveill-1832633266.
Chen, A. (2019). How far has technology come since the last ‘smart border’ failed?. The
Verge. Retrieved 26 February 2020, from
https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/22/18236515/smart-border-virutal-fence-surveillance-
trump-borders-politics-policy.
Congress Must Act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. House Budget Committee
Democrats. (2019). Retrieved 26 February 2020, from
https://budget.house.gov/publications/congress-must-act-comprehensive-immigration-
reform.
Felemban, E. (2013). Advanced Border Intrusion Detection and Surveillance Using Wireless
Sensor Network Technology. International Journal Of Communications, Network And
System Sciences, 06(05), 251-259. https://doi.org/10.4236/ijcns.2013.65028
Rowe, M. (2018). Borders of the future: how technology will change immigration and
security systems | Civil Service World. Civilserviceworld.com. Retrieved 26 February
2020, from https://www.civilserviceworld.com/articles/feature/borders-future-how-
technology-will-change-immigration-and-security-systems.
The role of technology in securing the nation’s borders. Military & Aerospace Electronics.
(2018). Retrieved 26 February 2020, from
https://www.militaryaerospace.com/unmanned/article/16707261/the-role-of-technology-
in-securing-the-nations-borders.
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References
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