Part 14/17:
Despite the critical nature of border security, Villarreal laments the political gridlock that hampers progress. Differences in policy priorities—whether to build walls, streamline legal immigration, or enforce existing laws—often delay meaningful reform.
He advocates for a revamped, comprehensive immigration system: one that simplifies legal pathways for skilled and unskilled workers, streamlines processing, and addresses root causes of migration—poverty, violence, and instability in sending countries. He emphasizes that the current approach is a "vicious cycle" that strains resources, breeds corruption, and endangers communities.