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I. Accuracy
Is the information reliable and error-free?
Mostly. The statistics look great, but numbers can be manipulated
to present whatever information the host would like to present. Would
the Department of Justice and the Offices of Immigration and Naturalization
Services still have published the results of this program if it had failed?
Couldn't part of presenting the triumphs of "Operation Gatekeeper" also
be a sales pitch by the US Government to other states in the Union that
are have border troubles? There are no results from 1998 - present.
Is it still successful?
Is there an editor or someone who verifies/checks the information?
US Department of Justice - Offices of Immigration and Naturalization Services
II. Authority
Is there an author? Is the page signed?
Department of Justice - Office of Immigration and Naturalization Services
Is the author qualified? An expert?
Yes
Who is the sponsor?
US Department of Justice
Is the sponsor of the page reputable? How reputable?
Yes, theoretically …though I guess how reputable depends on how much
you trust our Federal Government.
Is there a link to information about the author or the sponsor?
Yes - US Department of Justice (http://www.usdoj.gov/)
If the page includes neither a signature nor indicates
a sponsor, is there any other way to determine
its origin?
Domain is ".gov"; and the website for this immigration article includes
the US Department of Justice -http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/factsheets/OpGateFS.htm
III. Objectivity
Does the information show a minimum of bias?
For the most part. It uses only statistics and tangible results.
Theoretically, the numbers can be recounted and the tangible items are
still in place (i.e. yards of fencing..). Therefore, bias shouldn't
be a problem. But, I refer to the Accuracy section when I wonder
if the installation had had no impact, or a negative impact on illegal
immigration, would the USDOJ still have published the results? If
you want to sell this program to other cities and states, you only want
to point out the good things about it.
Is the page designed to sway opinion?
Somewhat. Every point presented prior to installation of the
"Operation Gatekeeper" program has been improved since installation.
It begs the question if there was anything left out of the chart that may
have been negatively impacted by the installation of this program.
Also, statistics can be interpreted many different ways. The chart
does not specify who collected and compiled the information in the chart,
though I guess we are to assume that the Department of Justice and the
Offices of Immigration and Naturalization conducted the survey. By
presenting only positive results of the program, other cities and states
may be inclined to have the government set up a similar program for them
(presumably at a cost?).
Is there any advertising on the page?
None at all.
IV. Currency
Is the page dated?
July 14, 1998
If so, when was the last update?
Nothing has been added since July 14, 1998.
How current are the links? Have some expired or moved?
There are no direct links to any further information on "Operation
Gatekeeper". There is, however, a link back to the Offices of Immigration
and Naturalization Services which has articles related to immigration as
recent as 6/27/01.
V. Coverage
What topics are covered?
The topic covered on this website is the installation of a program
entitled, "Operation Gatekeeper", in the state of California (specifically
San Diego). The purpose of this program is to aid the city and state
in keeping illegal immigrants from entering the country/state/city.
What does this
page offer that is not found elsewhere?
The page offers a comparative statistical study of illegal immigrants
and related problems in San Diego prior to the installation of "Operation
Gatekeeper" in 1994, to post-installation in 1998. No results from
1998 - present have been added.
What is its intrinsic value?
Its intrinsic value is for the people of California and San Diego mostly.
It is for them to see that there is a program working to help them protect
against the waves of illegal immigrants entering their state/city.
For the rest of the country, it serves as a reminder that the government
is looking out for us.
How in-depth is the material?
Pretty in depth. Exact numbers are used, and simple interpretations
of the numbers are added as well.