President Donald Trump insists “strategic barriers” will stop the influx of drugs, keep out terrorists, criminals and undocumented aliens generally and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. But he’s just plain wrong on all three.

Illegal drugs are smuggled in vehicles entering the U.S. at the border crossings on highways, not lugged over the border by backpack.

Undocumented aliens, including terrorists and criminals, typically enter the U.S. at airports, and then they just overstay their visas.

The humanitarian crisis can only be resolved with more humane shelters and immigration judges, not simply returning them to Mexico.

No, barriers won’t accomplish those goals. But both sides must compromise.

Give Trump some few miles of barriers where they might do some good without harming the delicate desert ecology, and give full funding of effective border security measures like 21st century technology and more manpower.

In return, reopen the government immediately and create a citizenship path for the Dreamers.

Lunsford Phillips

Kailua

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