By Justin O’Brien
November 6, 2006

President Bush signed The Secure Fence Act October 26. Earlier this year, the President laid out a strategy for comprehensive immigration reform citing the need to control and enforce border security while also working to correct weaknesses in the country’s immigration system.

The signed legislation authorizes the construction of several hundreds of miles of fencing on the United States-Mexico border and the installation of more vehicle barriers, checkpoints, and lighting to improve prevention of illegal entries. It also comprises a technological component, authorizing the Department of Homeland Security to deploy cameras, satellites, and unmanned aerial vehicles to support border security efforts.

This most recent development follows stepped up apprehension and enforcement efforts in recent years including the deployment of National Guard troops to assist the Border Patrol earlier this year, increased funding for the Border Patrol which will result in an additional 3,000 agents for a total of 12,000 by the end of 2008, representing a doubling of Border Patrol agent numbers overall since 2000. Efforts to end the practice of “catch and release” on the Southern border have included an increase in the number of detention beds.

The White House has repeatedly expressed that in order for immigration reform to be comprehensive it must entail workable enforcement of immigration laws in the country, a legal temporary worker system and a balanced path to legal residency and citizenship with penalties for those who have established residency in the country illegally. A White House release indicates that there is more to do noting that the Secure Fence Act is only one part of this reform and that the President will work with Congress to pass the remaining elements of this strategy.

Ongoing related issues under review include worksite enforcement and the widespread problem of document fraud. The President has urged Congress to develop a better, more secure document and work eligibility verification system not subject to fraud. A temporary worker program will enhance security by ensuring participation in the country’s entry-exit tracking system.

For information on The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ border security and immigration-related policies, visit usmayors.org/borders.