ABSTRACT
The 2016 presidential election is not the first time attention has been directed to US borders. The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the subsequent responses provide one clear example that these borders have been a central focus for governments, businesses and citizens long before Donald Trump’s election. Anyone who has sought entry to the United States both before September 11th, 2001 and after is likely well aware of the significant differences generated by the terrorist attacks of that day. Americans citizens must now be in possession of a passport or similarly secure travel document when they leave the US in order to secure re-entry. Canadians and Mexicans must be in possession of similar documents in order to gain entry into the United States. It is even more difficult for citizens of other outside countries to enter. Security at the US borders with both Canada and Mexico increased dramatically after September 11th, 2001, visible in the expanded number of security personnel stationed at each border, the greater prominence of security apparatus, and the Congressional authorization of the construction of increased fencing along the border with Mexico. The situation is vastly different to that which pertained prior to September 11th, 2001 when Canadians could enter the US with a driver’s license and birth certificate, and indeed would often be allowed entry at land crossings with only a verbal declaration of citizenship.
