PROGRESO – President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Wednesday to boost border security and focus on immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. He said construction on the border wall will begin within the next couple of months.

The president signed the orders during a ceremony at the Department of Homeland Security. Trump said he expects U.S. taxpayers to pay for the upfront costs but insists that Mexico will somehow reimburse the country.

The proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall will be built in the backyard of some people living in the Rio Grande Valley. Some people said the walls keep them protected, while others have a different opinion.

Daniel Jones said he moved towards the border to be safe. He was a longtime Weslaco resident until recently when he moved to Progreso lakes.

Jones said he was victim to break-ins at his previous homes. He mentioned he enjoys the peace and security at his new home.

“I like the safety. It kind of slows people down trying to cross the border. I don’t like the wildlife impact and I think that needs to be addressed,” he said.

Jones, an avid birdwatcher, said he hopes the construction of the border wall won’t impact the wildlife in the area. He said he feels the wall will be a positive thing to control the criminal activity that is associated with the border.

“Well yes, exactly, I think we have a serious drug problem in this country and our country seems to want the drugs. So they’re bringing them across the border, so that brings the criminal element with it and we need to control that,” Jones said.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out to other people living along the border and many had very different opinions.

Some people said the crime is their main concern and they hope the changes will help control it.

The most outspoken were various farmers, some whose land is caught in between the gaps and even behind the current wall.

One farmer said he has no idea what it will mean for his land, he’s unsure if it will fall in between the river and the wall.