Definition
The Canada-United States border plays a significant role in determining economic growth and security status of the two countries. After realizing the importance of the border in 1999, the two countries adopted a binational approach in management of the border. According to Friedman1, binational approach of managing the border has three principles, viz. harmonization of management policies, expansion of cooperation with a view of enhancing efficiencies in immigration, enforcement of the law, customs, and protection of environment, and collaboration in security matters. By applying these three principles in the binational management of the border, leaders in the two countries were highly optimistic that, open border would create a lucrative link that promotes economic growth coupled with enhancing security across the border. However, the September 11 terrorist attack changed the priorities of the United States. Martin2 argues that, since September 2001, the United States tightened security controls at the border, which caused negative economic impacts since both countries spend millions of dollars on security, and there is a slow movement of merchandise due to scrutiny. Thus, should the two countries focus on border security at the expense of a lucrative trade? To answer this question, this paper examines sources that depict economic impacts of border security.
Objectives
The main objective of the paper is to explain the importance of seamless border, which allows free movement of goods, services, and people, in promotion of economic growth and integration of the United States and Canada.
Hypothesis
The United States and Canada should not enhance border security because it costs millions of dollars to secure it and slows down movement of goods, services, and people, thus affecting economic growth in two countries.
Outline
To explain the importance of seamless border, the paper seeks to examine how the enhancement of security at the border has caused enormous economic impacts to the two countries. Although security is essential for economic and political stability, heightened security at the border led to a decline in economic growth, which resulted from increased expenditure on security and slow movement of goods, services, and people across the border. Hence, exploration of trade between Canada and the United States gives an insight of the impact of heightened security on bilateral trade. Moreover, given that political stability of both countries depends on economic and security status, the paper also examines the impact of the enhanced border security on political integration. The political integration of Canada and the United States is critical in enhancing social and economic development of North America.
Since the United States and Canada are among the leading economies in the world, their integration will enhance their impact on global economies. Thus, the paper seeks to determine whether heightened security at the border enhances or diminishes globalization forces of Canada and the United States. Ultimately, to explain the importance of seamless border, the paper proposes that, new policies and legislations that enhance trade and security partnership are essential is promoting lucrative capacity of the border and economic growth in both countries. According to Lennox3, Canada and the United States have been negotiating on how to develop new trade and security partnership in the management of the border. Hence, seamless border is essential in promoting security, social, political, and economic aspects of Canada and the United States.
Bibliography
Books
Schott J, Smith M, editors. The Cana-United Sates Free Trade Agreement: The Global Impact. New York: Institute for Research on Public Policy; 1988.
The book examines the relevance of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that the United States and Canada signed in 1988. Signing of FTA was a significant step in opening the United States-Canada borders and liberalization of markets for businesses to expand and investors to venture. The book analyses economic and systemic effects of FTA on bilateral and multilateral relationships in trade. Thus, the book wants to determine if FTA is appropriate in promoting trade and stimulating economic growth between the two countries.
Forest J. Homeland Security: Borders and Points of Entry. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group; 2006.
Articles
Meyers D. Does “Smarter” Lead to Safer? An Assessment of the US Border Accords with Canada and Mexico. International Migration. 2003; 41(4): 5-44.
The article assesses if creation of “smarter” borders is safe and effective in enhancing trade between the United States and Canada. The article acknowledges that, terrorist attacks are posing great challenge to the binational management of the border. Hence, it analyses two border accords that the United States and Canada signed in a bid to enhance management of the border. Hence, the article examines the process of implementation and evaluation of the accords with a view of identifying the appropriate measures that governments need to take in enhancing security and bilateral relationships.
Andreas P. A Tale of Two Borders: The U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada Lines After 9-11. The Center for Comparative Immigration Studies. 2003: 1-15.
Primary Sources
Fergusson I. United States-Canada Trade and Economic Relationships: Prospects and Challenges. Congressional Research Service. 2008. Web.
Vance A. Strategic Responses by Canadian and U.S Exporters to Increased U.S Border Security Measures: A firm-level Analysis. Canada-United States Trade Center. 2008. Web.
Internet Sources
Ahern JP. Secure Borders, Safe Travel, Legal Trade. U.S Customs and Borders Protection. 2009. Web.
Andrea DJ, Smith BC. The Canada-U.S. Border: An Automotive Case Study. Center for Automotive Research. 2002. Web.
Dixon PB, Giesecke JA, Rimmer MT, Rose A. The Economic Consequences of Importance of Seamless Border Closure in Response to a Security Threat: A Dynamic CGE Assessment. Center for Policy Studies. 2009. Web.
Reference List
Friedman KA. The Border After 9/11- Security Trumps All. Policy Options [internet]. 2010.
Martin P. The Mounting Costs of Securing the “Undefended” Border. Policy Options [Internet]. 2006. Web.
Lennox TD. A Smarter Border Starts at the Airport. Policy Options [internet]. 2011. Web.
All Sources that will be used in the Research
Ahern JP. Secure Borders, Safe Travel, Legal Trade. U.S Customs and Borders Protection. 2009. Web.
Andrea DJ, Smith BC. The Canada-U.S. Border: An Automotive Case Study. Center for Automotive Research. 2002. Web.
Andreas P. A Tale of Two Borders: The U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada Lines After 9-11. The Center for Comparative Immigration Studies. 2003: 1-15.
Dixon PB, Giesecke JA, Rimmer MT, Rose A. The Economic Consequences of Importance of Seamless Border Closure in Response to a Security Threat: A Dynamic CGE Assessment. Center for Policy Studies. 2009. Web.
Fergusson I. United States-Canada Trade and Economic Relationships: Prospects and Challenges. Congressional Research Service. 2008. Web.
Forest J. Homeland Security: Borders and Points of Entry. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group; 2006.
Meyers D. Does “Smarter” Lead to Safer? An Assessment of the US Border Accords with Canada and Mexico. International Migration. 2003; 41(4): 5-44.
Schott J, Smith M, editors. The Cana-United Sates Free Trade Agreement: The Global Impact. New York: Institute for Research on Public Policy; 1988.
Vance A. Strategic Responses by Canadian and U.S Exporters to Increased U.S Border Security Measures: A firm-level Analysis. Canada-United States Trade Center. 2008. Web.
