The terrible attacks that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001 were undoubtedly the trigger for dramatic changes. The global spread of insecurity in public perception tended to restructure existing mechanisms intended to ensure national security. The United States, as the primary target nation for this type of terrorism, recognized the porosity of its borders and subsequently identified gaps in its immigration policies. Indeed, the findings of the investigations into the 9/11 terrorist acts highlight significant weaknesses in terms of border security and migration. Precisely, the aim of this work is to evaluate the most notable effects that the terrorist attacks of September 11th have generated in terms of border security and migration policies in the United States. Such effects can be illustrated first, by the origin of a new government security architecture, second, by the implementation of more draconian policies, and, third, by the adoption of new control strategies. Also considering the great influence of a strategy of securitization of immigration supported by the very nationalistic discourse of the "war on terrorism". For starters, the then-existing government security architecture underwent a significant restructuring. One of the many responses to the September 11 terrorist attacks was the deep evaluation of the national security exit mechanism. The findings provided common recognition of significant weaknesses in the government apparatus. Before 9/11, most migration responsibility fell under the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This agency has mostly been the target of severe criticism and rigorous evaluations. The conclusions of these evaluation efforts demonstrated the lack of capacity and thus… halfway through the document… were evident after the bitter recognition of substantial weaknesses in the migration field. As a result, migration and border security policies have undergone dramatic changes in many and substantial enforcement in others. In fact, most control measures have aroused well-known apprehension and criticism due to repression in their practice. Furthermore, the implementation of new and aggressive initiatives has been undertaken. The use of complex and advanced technologies, safer and more proactive detection programs, and more cooperative cross-border initiatives are the complementary effects observed in the United States. Without a doubt, those effects are the answers to some questions that Washington certainly had to ask and Meissner promptly clarified them. What's wrong with the US immigration system? What changes are needed? And what it means for the future?