While anti-immigration groups argue the move could be construed as encouraging more illegal immigrants to sneak into the U.S., the FWS disagrees.

 

Rather than causing an increase in illegal immigration in the area, the water stations are likely to have the opposite effect, says the FWS. “Three water stations have been in use on the refuge since 2001,” according to the FWS. “From the time that these stations were on refuge lands, the number of illegal immigrants crossing through the refuge has sharply declined.”

 

The FWS says the number of illegal immigrants crossing the refuge declined 93% from 2007 to 2009 (300,000 in 2007 to just 20,700 in 2009).

 

Twenty-five people reportedly died on refuge lands due to dehydration or exposure over an eight-year period. “While the number of deaths on the refuge has been steadily declining from six deaths in 2006 to two in 2009, the Service recognizes that every death that can be prevented should be prevented,” says the agency.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Humanitarian Aid on Buenos Aires (Fish and Wildlife Service)

Issue Permits for Water Stations to Reduce Risk of Dehydration (Fish and Wildlife Service)

Arizona Man Convicted of Leaving Drinking Water in Desert (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)