Overview
For this paper, you will need to refer to the Fiscal Year 2021 Southwest Border Enforcement Report.
Q1. Review the PPDAC cycle. What is the Problem pertaining to these data? How is the data collection and reporting intended to address the problem?
Q2. Now, what was the Plan? What variables were measured? Who were the units of observation? How were the data collected? By whom? During what period? Was any sampling used or do these data represent a census?
Q3. Now we get to the Analysis of the data presented in the report. The report examines the family status of individuals who encountered border authorities. What percentage more single adults were encountered in 2021 than either unaccompanied children or family unit individuals? Why do you think so many more of the single adults who encountered border authorities had repeatedly entered the United States illegally than either the unaccompanied minors or family unit individuals who encountered border authorities?
Q4. What does Figure 1 tell us about changes in the estimated number of uninspected entries over time? What does the blue line in the graph represent? This graph implies an understanding of the total amount of entries. How would border authorities know the total number of entries (e.g., they know the entries that are inspected; how do they know those that are uninspected)?
Q5. Calculate the percentage change in the number of encounters with Mexican, Northern Central American, and Other individuals between 2019 and 2021. Do this for both total and unique encounters. Describe the pattern of changes. How might you describe changes in the strategies of individuals from these countries based upon these data (i.e., their attempts to enter the U.S.)? What might explain those changes?
Q6. Figure 8 describes changes in Title 8 removals over time. What does this Figure tell us about changes in the strategy of DHS regarding those individuals removed under Title 8? Estimate the percentage of individuals who encountered border authorities who were removed under Title 8 in 2021. Why was this percentage so small?
Q7. Now, for the Conclusions. What do these data tell us about the challenges faced by border security officials in 2021? Based on these data, what are your thoughts about the effects (positive or negative) of Title 42 on border security?