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In March 2002, Mexico and the united States, through the Smart Border Plan, agreed to work to make the border more efficient. While responding to the shared bilateral objective of accelerating legal flows of people and goods across the border, this initiative is closer to U. S. Demands for border security than to the Mexican suggestion for an open border. This article concludes that a) although there will be more bilateralism in its management, b) the efficient border will respond basically to U. S. Security needs, and c) it will continue to divide-rather than unite-Mexico and the United States, especially regarding the flow of unauthorized workers. This conclusion arises from an analysis of the bilateral political conjuncture after September 11, 2001 based on an examination of the current situation at the border, review of government documents and declarations from both countries, and a comparison to a similar agreement already signed by the United States and Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]