Border Wall Contenders.

• Position: THE BIG PICTURE - Brief article

More than one year into Donald Trump's presidency, his promise to build a wall along the United States-Mexico border is a step closer to reality. These slabs of concrete and steel are prototypes for the new wall. They were recently erected in San Diego, California, near the border.

During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to build a solid wall extending the full 1,900-mile length of the border, from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The president, who visited the area to inspect the prototypes in March, says the wall will help stop people from entering the U.S. illegally, as well as curb drug smuggling.

But critics say a wall won't end illegal immigration. They point out that most of the...