Posted on 01/01/2007 11:54:13 AM PST by calcowgirl
Illegal immigrants planning to cross the desert and enter the US on foot are to be given hand-held satellite devices by the Mexican authorities to ensure they arrive safely.
Those who get lost or fall sick during the dangerous four-day crossing will be able to activate the device, to alert frontier police on both sides of the border.
The satellite tracking service will require would-be illegals to register their intentions before setting off — a paradoxical move, given that secrecy is necessary for success — but Mexican authorities are predicting that about 200,000 devices will be handed out when the project is launched formally in the coming year.
"Our intention is to save lives," said Jaime Obregon, the co-ordinator for the state commission for migrants in Puebla, the Mexican state which is behind the project. "There are lots of people looking to cross and we are working with the US authorities to make sure they do not die on the way."
Between 20 and 30 migrants succumb to hellish temperatures and insect bites while attempting to cross into Arizona every year. Heat exhaustion sometimes causes short-term memory loss, with trekkers wandering aimlessly into the desert.
The route into Arizona, known as the Sasave Pass, is both the most common and the most dangerous way into the US. According to Mexican state migrant authorities, up to 75,000 attempt the crossing every month, of whom between 50,000 and 60,000 are caught by US border patrols and sent back.
The chance of success depends greatly on the knowledge of the guide, known as a "coyote" or "desert fox". They charge between $2,000 and $10,000 per person (£1,025-£5,100).
Coyotes are merciless if a member of their pack lags behind. "If you cannot keep up they will abandon you." said Mr Obregon. "Alone, you have about 36 hours to live. It is in this period the satellite device makes a difference."
A spokesman for US Customs and Border Protection said: "We do not have any information about the Mexican government providing satellite trackers to people, but we strongly discourage encouragement to people who are attempting to cross illegally into the US."
I know his stance, but I always hope that we can nag him into a change of heart. And yes, the congresscritters should be badgered as well.
What do you think?
I feel the same, but if we the people give up, nothing will change. We must act as if we matter.
Whatever it is, they also have it on all the congresscritters.
You're right. Just like Europe, big business benefits from cheap labor (while taxpayers bear the cost) and PC leaders support the invasion.
The only positive: at least they're not Muslim.
"I copied the article and emailed to comments@whitehouse.gov "
You'll receive the standard reply (the same one you'd receive if you complained about spending or the war).
Unless you are a major contributor to Bush or a member of his country club, your opinion doesn't count.
ROI [Return on Investment]
$60M for GUI helps return some $25B to Mexico.
Heck, they can probably find some way to write it off and get the US to pay for the devices.
"I feel the same, but if we the people give up, nothing will change. We must act as if we matter."
They told me if I voted for Bush, it would be matter of national security. So I did.... and it is! It's just a different enemy.
I was struck by the following comment on the website:
Smugglers and human traffickers are criminals who have no regard for human life.
It sounds like the Border Patrol does not recognize the people trying to get into the country illegally as criminals. In this mindset, people are only criminal if they take money for the service. Little wonder we have a mess on our hands.
Why isn't the RICO laws used to prosecute the invaders and their enablers?
G.W. Bush disgusts me.
I am going to go with sarcasm. Otherwise we'll have to cyber fight.
They all disgust me if I really let myself think about it. It would seem there is a grand scheme in place to open all borders into our home, and I can't for the life of me understand why that is. Republican/Democrat, makes no matter when it comes to immigration.
As thankful as I am that GWB is our President right now, I am infuriated over the immigration issue. When it seems someone is getting traction on the subject, there is none.
Vote a 3rd party? You'll still get a Democrat or a Republican. 3rd party voting makes no sense.
This is horribly frustrating. We've got to break the code on this issue and get some support.
I give up, you won.
In previous times, this could be considered an act of war.
}:-)4
I assume you will be sending my years supply of Turtle Wax soon, then.
LOL! I guess that is a small consolation, but a very small one as islam is the fastest growing cult...er, religion in Mexico and South America.
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