These costs aren't anywhere near staggering. They are a miniscule fraction of the costs of health care and public education for illegals. I have posted numerous links which document the numbers.
And walls DO work. Sure, a few will get through, but San Diego won't have the daily track meet across the interstate like they do now.
There's no good economic reason to NOT build it.
But it's still a waste of money if those already here, and future invaders are rewarded for their efforts by granting them amnesty (by any other name is still amnesty...guest worker, etc.) The only way we SAVE any money in building the fence/wall is if we deport those already here illegally.
Cut out the welfare and other benefits of every kind and go after the employers of the illegals at little cost. That'll stop the influx and start an exodus. This is the one plan the White House doesn't want.
I should have been more clear in stating that conservatives, including many here, are actually HAPPY with this second-choice bone (a wall) thrown at them to keep them quiet....oh, brother.
The first and only choice is the one stated above.....but the President will never do this as he doesn't seem to mind the invasion and is for amnesty. He knows the idea of the fun and games of building a highly-visible, behemoth, high-tech wall will keep everyone (especially security moms and techies) entertained and riveted for a long time while the actual pro-invasion program keeps going on as planned in the background.
The idea of the cost of the wall versus the cost of health care and education for the illegals is a false choice. Neither is acceptable.
BTW, what's the Adminstration's position on anchor babies, one of the greatest rip-offs in present-day American history? Don't answer. I already know the issue is NOT being addressed, nor will it.
As every golfer should know, the Adminstration wants you to keep your eyes on the Wall.
Leni