https://publications-prairial.fr/representations/index.php?id=1816 Index terms fr 0 https://publications-prairial.fr/representations/index.php?id=1809 In a context of President D. Trump’s policy to build a wall along the entire US–Mexico border, this text aims to analyze the conservative discourse behind that wall erected by the US government. The wall replaces migration policies, and above all, is a consequence of the construction of a closed national identity advocated by conservative groups in the United States. This discourse should be understood in a historical perspective of anti-immigration rhetoric in this country. Actually, the nativism of these groups produces the social exclusion of migrants, especially Latin Americans. In this perspective, we analyze the symbolism of the wall illustrating the great North–South economic and social cleavage. The construction of the border wall is, according to conservative groups, a safety measure to prevent terrorism, stop drug trafficking and illegal immigration, but it is rather a response to the fear conveyed in this xenophobic discourse. The fact that Trump insists unrealistically, that Mexico would pay for this project, is merely a discursive complaint. In the context of a global economy, the wall does not meet any economic needs. In fact, transborder mobility and trade are vibrant and create jobs for the border region in both countries. Contrary to Trump’s claims, the wall blocs this mobility and prevents the proper management of the border and the establishment of environmental cooperation. sam., 20 déc. 2025 17:43:37 +0100 lun., 26 janv. 2026 14:05:43 +0100 https://publications-prairial.fr/representations/index.php?id=1809