Desert Wildlife Faces Border Wall

The security border fence designed to combat illegal immigration into the U.S. is raising concerns over its impact on habitats and wildlife.

1 minute read

November 5, 2008, 5:00 AM PST

By Michael Dudley

"[The Department of Homeland Security's border fence along the Rio Grande will bisect] Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, a 372-acre wildlife sanctuary on the banks of the Rio Grande River where El Paso, Texas meets Juarez, Mexico.

The construction of the fence is mandated under the Secure Fence Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2006 as a way of curtailing illegal immigration. As senators, both presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, voted for the Act.

[Environmentalists are concerned that] the wall will make the Park much less hospitable to both birds and mammals and may prevent some animals, like badgers and bobcats, from returning to the area."

FULL STORY: Border Fence Raises Environmental Concerns

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 in OneWorld.net

Environment North America Texas Mexico Habitat Protection El Paso Juarez View More

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