AN EXAMINATION OF IMMIGRATION AND THE THREAT TO …

AN EXAMINATION OF IMMIGRATION AND THE THREAT TO AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY

by Matthew Pincus

A thesis submitted to Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Global Security Studies Baltimore, Maryland August 2014

? 2014 Matthew Pincus All Rights Reserved

Abstract: Since 9/11, the connection between immigration and terrorism has significantly

increased due to heightened levels of political polarization and the implementation of numerous antiterrorism policies in response to the attacks. There is a chorus of national security experts who contend that continued inaction in resolving immigration concerns will lead to increased security vulnerabilities at our borders and thus will present the United States with greater national security challenges. The aim of the following thesis is to analyze the essential components of this linkage to accurately determine the legitimacy of the threat posed by immigrants, including migrant workers and naturalized citizens. The author examines the effectiveness of post-9/11 antiterrorism policies and their impact on immigration. By identifying the nature of the relationship between immigration and terrorism, this thesis proposes a series of policy recommendations for the United States to better counter the most urgent threats facing our nation.

Within the context of the immigration reform legislation introduced in the Senate in April 2013, the first chapter of this thesis provides an assessment of migrant workers as a national security threat by examining the impact of guest-worker programs on the security of the U.S.-Mexico border. The second chapter focuses on the effectiveness of antiterrorism policies since 9/11, including their impact on immigrants and immigrant communities. The final chapter determines the role of assimilation in the increase of homegrown terrorism among Muslim American immigrants ? including permanent residents and citizens. In identifying assimilation as the correct focus for policymakers and law enforcement agencies, the author issues recommendations that emphasize counter-radicalization strategies rather than the use of traditional antiterrorism policies.

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The author concludes that it is misguided to continue to broadly link immigration with terrorism. Perhaps most alarming, post-9/11 American antiterrorism policies have damaged relations with immigrants further jeopardizing national security. These policies coupled with inadequate assimilation programs have created resentment among immigrants and in some cases, fueled their radicalization. Policymakers should be concerned about this growing threat and should invest resources in community-based counter-radicalization programs rather than continue to implement deficient antiterrorism policies. The author concludes the extreme necessity for comprehensive immigration reform, which should focus on all of the elements discussed in this thesis.

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Table of Contents

Introduction:........................................................................................................................ 1

Chapter I: Do guest-worker programs constitute a security threat to the U.S.-Mexico border? .............................................................................................................................. 14

Introduction:.................................................................................................................. 14 Literature Review: ........................................................................................................ 16

Definition of terms and background of guest-worker programs............................... 16 Bracero program ....................................................................................................... 17 Exploitation of migrant-workers............................................................................... 19 The economics of guest-worker programs................................................................ 21 Fees and Wages......................................................................................................... 23 Border security aspects of guest-worker programs................................................... 24 Political viability and public support for guest-worker programs ............................ 29 Case Studies: ................................................................................................................. 32 Case Study 1: Brookings Institute proposal.............................................................. 34 Case Study 2: Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act proposal ..................................................................................... 36 Conclusion: ................................................................................................................... 41

Chapter II: What is the effectiveness of immigration-focused antiterrorism policies on American national security since September 11, 2001? ................................................... 43

Introduction:.................................................................................................................. 43 Policy Goals: ................................................................................................................. 44 Literature Review: ........................................................................................................ 45

1) Prevent terrorists, criminals, and illegal immigrants from entering and remaining in the United States ................................................................................................... 45 2) Identify, locate, detain, and/or deport all foreign-born individuals within the United States who are perceived to pose a threat to national security...................... 49 3) Facilitate the continued inflow of vetted, legal immigrants and refugees to the United States ............................................................................................................. 55 Case Studies: ................................................................................................................. 57 Case #1: Amine El Khalifi ........................................................................................ 58 Case #2: Mohamed Osman Mohamud...................................................................... 60 Case #3: Faisal Shahzad............................................................................................ 63 Analysis: ....................................................................................................................... 65 Goal 1) Prevent terrorists, criminals, and illegal immigrants from entering and remaining in the United States .................................................................................. 65 Goal 2) Identify, locate, detain, and/or deport all foreign-born individuals within the United States who are perceived to pose a threat to national security...................... 67 Goal 3) Facilitate the continued inflow of vetted, legal immigrants and refugees to the United States. ...................................................................................................... 69 Conclusion: ................................................................................................................... 70

Chapter III: What is the role of assimilation on the homegrown terror threat comprised by Muslim American immigrants and what are the appropriate policy responses to combat this threat? ......................................................................................................................... 72

Introduction:.................................................................................................................. 72

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Policy Goals: ................................................................................................................. 73 Literature Review: ........................................................................................................ 74

A growing trend ? homegrown terror threats from Muslim immigrants .................. 74 Muslim immigrants and post-9/11 United States...................................................... 76 Assimilation policies and the threat of radicalization............................................... 77 Politicization of assimilation and ties to immigration reform .................................. 81 Globalization, technology and the impact on radicalization of immigrants ............. 83 Case Studies: ................................................................................................................. 84 Counter-radicalization programs and combating the threat of homegrown terrorism ................................................................................................................................... 85 Case Study 1: Netherlands ........................................................................................ 87 Case Study 2: United Kingdom ................................................................................ 90 Case Study 3: United States ...................................................................................... 93 Analysis: ....................................................................................................................... 96 The inclusion of policies focused on assimilation and relationship-building within immigrant and at-risk communities .......................................................................... 96 Implement a strategy containing methods to counter online recruiting and radicalization efforts ................................................................................................. 97 Ensure that the strategy is distinguishable from traditional antiterrorism policies... 98 Conclusion: ................................................................................................................... 99 Conclusion: ..................................................................................................................... 102 Bibliography: .................................................................................................................. 105 Curriculum Vitae: ........................................................................................................... 113

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