Take another look at Trump’s border wall

It's apparent the Trump administration's request for a border wall lacks details and accurate costs.

Such things as eminent domain would be a major challenge. Past records show 400 land acquisitions, with 330 lawsuits and 90 still are pending. Of the land in question, 66 percent is privately or Native American-owned.

There would be problems with the shifting Rio Grande and increased flooding.

There would be a violation of the 1970 Boundary Treaty and violation of Sovereign Rights of Native Americans' Tohono O'odham Nation (2.8 million acres). They would have to deal with Native American ownership and sacred burial grounds.

This area also includes the Alones-Imperial Sand Dunes, which is the largest in the United States, with 2.8 million acres that would require a floating fence with special footing. Arizona and New Mexico have mountains with 9,000-foot peaks, which would be challenging and costly. These areas also have delicate ecosystems, environmental laws and protected wildlife. Farmers in these areas are concerned about water access to the Rio Grande.

An even bigger cost and challenge would be access roads for construction - 2,200 miles of wall would require 2,200 miles of access roads to support construction.

It may be effective and less costly for lawmakers to investigate primary contractors, subcontractors and illegal paperwork used to hide illegal workers. Stop illegal jobs, and it will help discourage illegal immigration.

Larry Peter

Manchester