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The Former Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff has delivered a word of advice following the race of lawmakers against the clock to prevent another government shutdown over border security. Chertoff said, “Don’t put taxpayers’ money behind President Donald Trump’s border wall”.

He said in an interview with Newsweek. Chertoff was the second chief to lead the DHS under the George W. Bush administration after the department was formed in response to the September 11 attacks. He expressed hope that lawmakers would be able to strike a deal on border security before February 15, when a funding measure to keep the government open runs out.

Chertoff said that he believes there is a reasonable chance that politicians on both sides can come with a reasonable formula that promotes border security. He added that he is hopeful the new formula will not include Trump’s long-promised border wall. He was asked whether Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion to build a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico was a worthy endeavor, Chertoff replied, “No. I think the idea of a wall in and of itself is a symbol. It’s not a real tool. It is not an efficient or effective tool “. Chertoff led the country’s Homeland Security Department from February 2005 to January 2009.

He stressed for more comprehensive reform. He said, “The right way to do border security is to look at the entire system. And that begins with what is pushing people to leave their countries and come to the U.S. in the first place. In some cases, it’s violence and the rule of law not being in existence”. A large number of asylum seekers are arriving at the southern U.S border.

He said, “One of the big things that generated this kind of crisis is the push that happens when people in parts of the northern triangle in this hemisphere are afraid for their lives. When people are afraid of their lives, we can’t deter them from fleeing”.