The construction of a physical barrier between the United States and Mexico has been a contentious and polarizing issue for decades, with far-reaching implications for immigration policy.

Surprisingly, the idea of erecting a border fence was first proposed by a US president from the 19th century, predating the more recent debates on the matter.

In the 1850s, President Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, advocated for the construction of a fence along the southern border.

His rationale was rooted in concerns over the increasing flow of Mexican immigrants entering the country, which he perceived as a threat to national security and economic stability. - https://mexicofocusguide.com/blog/president-built-fence-us-mexico/?unique_id_ccl09epe

"The Contentious Roots of the U.S.-Mexico Border Fence: Exploring Its Historical Origins and Policy