FAQ Homeland #5

 5. Is the United States safer from terrorism than on 9/11?

Since 9/11, the United States has implemented numerous policies and programs aimed at protecting its homeland and its people from another terrorist attack. Better investigation and intelligence techniques, improved law enforcement capabilities, and a generally heightened awareness all make the United States safer than it was on 9/11. But it is not totally safe. Some dangers can never be eliminated. Total security is not only impossible but an attempt to achieve total security would damage the open society that we cherish so greatly. However, there are still many ways in which terrorists can threaten American society that have not yet been eliminated. Our ports are a major vulnerability, with only a small portion of incoming cargo that is inspected. The number of foreign citizens entering the United States illegally has skyrocketed in recent years, posing another threat to national security. It is impossible for the United States to deny entry to individuals considered to be security risks when we do not know who is entering through our porous borders. Similarly, inadequate identification documents for American citizens, including easily forged driver's licenses that are issued to individuals without proof of legal residency, make it impossible to control access to sensitive sites such as government buildings. Although we can never make our country completely safe, these and other risks to homeland security remain unaddressed by the American government and until these threats are fully contained, the United States may be more secure, but still not as safe as we can be. This is why an enormous army of informed, engaged, vigilant citizens is one of the greatest strengths we have to ensuring the security our homeland.