Biden's 'Movable' Border Wall Plan Draws Criticism

Environmentalists and Border Security Advocates Express Concerns Over New Barrier Design

The Biden administration's plan for a 'movable' border wall in South Texas has drawn criticism from both environmentalists and advocates of stronger border enforcement. The design is seen as a downgrade from previous barriers and is believed to be less effective in preventing illegal crossings.
The new barrier, which covers nearly 20 miles in Starr County, was made public in September. The administration waived 26 federal laws protecting the environment and certain species to expedite the construction process.
Despite Biden's campaign promise not to build more wall, construction is moving forward amid an increase in migrants coming to the U.S. southern border. Illegal crossings topped 2 million for the second year in a row for the government's budget year that ended Sept. 30.
Biden's barrier will be much shorter than the 18- to 30-foot concrete-filled steel bollard panels of Trump’s wall and could be temporary. Critics argue that the design poses a greater risk to animal habitats and may not be strong enough to deter illegal crossings.
The Center for Biological Diversity, along with about 100 other organizations, sent the U.S. government a letter last month pleading for reconsideration of environmental protection laws. They have not yet received a response.