New York, August 2006
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 NEW YORK, NY
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Senate approves funds to build new fence on U.S.-Mexico border
 WASHINGTON, DC
- In an effort to step up security efforts at the U.S.-Mexico
border the Senate
on a vote of 94-3 recently approved nearly $2 billion dollars to build a new
fence. The $1.83 billion was an amendment to a $435 billion defense spending
bill that is currently being debated in the Senate.
Immigration reform has been
a hot topic in recent months and some Senators see this as a step in the right
direction to improve the nation’s borders. The construction of the
triple-layered fence on the southwest border will span about 370 feet and is
specifically aimed at decreasing the number of illegal immigrants
crossing the
border. In addition, vehicle barriers spanning 461 miles along the U.S.-Mexico
border will be constructed. Bush did not meet the quota of having 6,000 National
Guard troops on the U.S.-Mexico border by August 1.
The current number of National Guard troops at the border is about half that
number, but this number will continue to increase.
The National Guard has
already started to make a difference along the
border and has begun building the
fence and working on other border projects. Border
crossings by
illegal
immigrants are down by about 45% since the National Guard arrived at the
border.
Due to the estimated 12 million immigrants that currently reside in the United
States, the need to step up border security has been voiced by many. Some
believe that how border security will be handled in the coming months may play a
role in the congressional elections in November.
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Immigration reform still on Bush’s agenda
 WASHINGTON, DC
- President Bush continues to push for comprehensive immigration reform. He
discussed how the United States is seen as the land of opportunity and freedom.
Miami has been the first destination for many who had been oppressed in their
homeland or were fleeing poverty. Bush welcomed the influence of other cultures
in the United States and their contributions, but he also brought up that
border
enforcement needs to be addressed in a reasonable manner.
The president made reference to
the Border Patrol agents and the U.S. Coast guard who are responsible for border
enforcement and commended their efforts. While he recognizes that the
border
must be enforced, it must be done in a way that is rational. Since many
immigrants enter the United States on a temporary basis to take on
jobs that
Americans are not taking, Bush suggested the introduction of a
guest worker
program. This type of program would give
immigrants a way to achieve their
dreams. Due to the millions of illegal immigrants that reside in the United
States, Bush said it would not be realistic to grant them
amnesty or deport them
in masses. However, Bush said there should be a process that gives
illegal
immigrants the opportunity to eventually become a United States citizen. The
process would include a fine, learning English, proving one has been a law
abiding citizen and then patiently waiting at the end of the citizenship line.
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Possible expansion of fingerprinting at U.S. port of entries
 WASHINGTON, DC
- The Department of Homeland Security has proposed having to require United
States permanent residents to get fingerprinted on each occasion that they
re-enter the country. Some Canadian visitors could also be included. The
security checks would take place at port of entries such as international
airports, land borders, seaports, and would be an expansion of the
US-Visit
Program. Under the US-Visit Program most foreign visitors must have biographic
and biometric information recorded when entering the United States or when
obtaining visas at posts abroad. The U.S. government is then able to verify the
identity of the foreign visitor. During this process officials are also able to
check for criminal records, terrorist suspects and the validity of the
visa. As
of January 2004, 61 million foreign visitors have had a digital photograph taken
along with being fingerprinted.
The expansion is seen as a safety measure needed
to intercept those using fraudulent or stolen Green Cards. In addition, it would
allow the Department of Homeland Security to comply with the requirement of
having to use biometrics to verify the validity of travel documents issued by
the government. The expansion will not take place immediately and there will be
a 30 day comment period before any changes can take place. Critics of the
expansion claim that there are already enough security measures to obtain United
States permanent residency and that introducing unnecessary measures sends the
wrong message to those trying to become United States citizens.
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Former U.S. Border Patrol agents smuggled immigrants
into the U.S.
 LOS ANGELES, CA
- One of the main responsibilities of a U.S. Border Patrol agent is to deter as
many illegal immigrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. However, not all
Border Patrol agents uphold this responsibility. Last week, Oscar Antonio Ortiz,
a former U.S. Border Patrol agent was given a 5 year sentence for smuggling at
least 100 illegal immigrants into the United States. He had the assistance of
Eric Balderas who was another Border Patrol agent.
The agents earned about $300
for each illegal immigrant they aided. In 2001 Ortiz used a false birth
certificate to get a job as a Border Patrol agent. Shortly before getting hired,
Ortiz was detained on suspicion of attempting to smuggle two
illegal immigrants
into the country. Border Patrol officials claim they did not have this knowledge
back then. As a result, the U.S. Border Patrol now more carefully screens the
background of custom officers and border patrol agents. Ortiz’s mother obtained
the false birth certificate when he was 3 and did not tell him the truth until
he turned 18. U.S. District Judge John A. Houston gave Ortiz a longer sentence
than the three years suggested by the prosecutors due to the responsibility of
his position and the abuse of power. Balderas was charged with conspiracy and
pleaded guilty. He is awaiting his sentence.
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