Posted on 05/22/2007 4:29:15 AM PDT by Ultra Sonic 007
It’s much tougher than it should be to secure America’s borders. While the technology and manpower are all within reach, what seems beyond our grasp is the ability to act. Take last year’s legislation calling for construction of 854 miles of fence on our Southern border.
It’s all too obvious that America is under threat because its land borders are largely porous and unprotected. In response last year Congress passed, and the President signed into law, legislation calling for the construction of those 854 miles of border fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite this legislative mandate by the U.S. Congress, the Department of Homeland Security recently announced its intention to build only 370 miles of fencing along the border, not the 854 miles required by the legislation.
This directive, despite its clarity, appears to have been interpreted as a suggestion. It is not: it’s the law -- and the border fence must be built.
The Secure Fence Act requires that reinforced fencing and related infrastructure be installed along the most dangerous and problematic smuggling corridors along our Southern land border, which continue providing illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and potential terrorist access into the United States. As the original author of the measure’s fencing provision, I expected there to be some opposition to implementing strategic fencing along our land border with Mexico. I did not, however, expect one of the biggest obstacles to be the federal agency primarily responsible for protecting the American homeland, especially when border fencing has proven to be an effective enforcement tool with verifiable results.
In San Diego County, for example, border fencing remains a critical part of our continuing effort to address the problems commonly associated with illegal immigration. Since construction of the San Diego Border Fence began in 1996, the smuggling of people and narcotics has dropped drastically, crime rates have been reduced by half according to FBI statistics, vehicle drug drive-throughs have been eliminated and apprehensions have decreased as the result of fewer crossing attempts.
The Clinton Administration opposed the construction of the San Diego Border Fence as a method of closing the prolific smuggling corridor that once existed between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. The Clinton Administration, however, also recognized its responsibility under the law. Construction of the San Diego Border Fence began and conditions on both sides of the border immediately improved.
The Bush Administration says it remains committed to securing the border. I intend to hold them to their word. Just as I did with the Clinton Administration, I will continue reminding the Bush Administration of their obligation under the law to build the border fence. I believe they can, and will, do better.
Bureaucracy is rarely ever capable of producing immediate results. But when it threatens the safety and security of our communities, it becomes intolerable. The decision not to build fencing as dictated by law can only serve to demonstrate that we are not serious about securing our borders and enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.
Why is reinforced border infrastructure necessary? In 2005, 155,000 foreign nationals from countries other than Mexico were apprehended attempting to cross our land border with Mexico. Alarmingly, many of these individuals originated from countries of national security concern, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon and Yemen, and likely represent only a fraction of those who successfully entered our country without the knowledge of border security officials or the consent of our government.
It has also been reported that several of the individuals who were discovered to be plotting the next major terrorist attack against the United States, targeting soldiers at Fort Dix, crossed the U.S.-Mexico border through Brownsville, Texas. Whether they entered as children or adults, the fact that they originated from countries far from our shores demonstrates that across the world, it is understood that the best way to illegally enter the United States is through our land border with Mexico.
To date, only 12 miles of the 854 miles of border fencing called for in the Secure Fence Act have been constructed. While it’s a start, the 370 miles of fencing promised by DHS represents a significant departure from what’s required by federal law. Let’s be perfectly clear: it’s not enough. Even the 854 miles of fence legislated last year is only a beginning. Legislation presently under consideration by the U.S. Senate to reform our immigration system also reaffirms DHS’ decision to only build 370 miles of fencing. This legislation is weak on enforcement, comprehensively fails to make border security a priority and wrongly retreats from the mandates of the Secure Fence Act.
We know from our experiences in San Diego that border fencing works and when extended across Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, it will have the same salutary affect. DHS has more than $1 billion cash on hand for border fence construction and more will surely be delivered. It’s time we get serious about border control, do what’s right, and build the border fence. Secure borders make America safer. What’s so hard to understand about that?
Duncan Hunter keeps saying the fence can be built by several teams in a few months...
If everyone who “wished” Duncan Hunter had a chance decided they would do what they can to “be sure” he has a chance, Duncan Hunter would win, hands down. http://gohunter08 to do your part.
>......although I think governors or anyone from outside of D.C. might be the best choice.<
Sure, like GWB, or Jimmah Cotta. One governor, Ronald Reagan, made a good president, and the Congressman who served with him and knew him best is now running. Duncan Hunter has what it will take, and he knows his way around, unlike some governors I’ve already mentioned. ‘Whimpiness’ is not the order anymore, people. It’s time for a no-frills man’s man to take charge. GO DUNCAN HUNTER!
He’s not Duncan Who anymore! More and more conservatives are realizing that supporting Hunter is the only way to stop the RINOs from taking over.
Agree with you! He is the only viable candidate who has been steadfast in all his positions for years and doesn’t have to remake himself to run for president. And he is in the strongest position of all the candidates right now on the illegal immigration/ border fence issue!
I have to laugh at all those condescending Duncan Who commentators. I know Hunter has a long road ahead, but by being consistent, he is picking up more support all the time. Laura Ingraham sounded really high on Duncan when she interviewed him earlier today! Good things are happening!
“Duncan Hunter keeps saying the fence can be built by several teams in a few months...”
And it hasn’t been done yet because..?
I think this country needs to start completely over with an all new Congress...all new.
And I love Bush’s pro-life stance-— but I’d really like to know his real motivation for this “amnesty” push. How could he continue to force this issue against so many American citizen’s wishes- if not for ....?
“I genuinely wish that Duncan had a real chance of getting the nomination, I really do :(
I do think the country would be much the better for it.”
Help support him and he will have a better chance.
Get others involved in supporting him and he will have even more of a chance.
It can happen, but only if those who think he can not win will support him anyway.
You like what he stands for? I do. We can create a positive win in the 2008 election. You do not have to change your belief that he can not win, just decide to support him because you believe in what he stands for.
“Raise your hand if you think even 70 miles will be built. I’m waiting... anyone?”
Are you putting a number of years for it to be built in?
If you give us enough years to build it, it will be built.
“The have come here for the money. Make it so expensive via fines for anyone to employ illegals and they will go home when the money dries up.”
That is one option. Another option is to just make it more expensive, with fines to hire illegals than what it would cost the employer to hire Americans or legal immigrants.
“SO do I .....so do I....”
Please see my post # 47.
Isn't it sad that he has to keep reminding the Bush Administration to complete the fence. I heard Chertoff defending the lousy immigration bill this weekend so you can just imagine that he's in no hurry to complete the fence anytime soon. Pathetic!
Go Hunter go!
And .. for those who might be interested .. the fence here in San Diego has cut our crime rate by more than 50% - just heard our Mayor proclaiming that the other day.
Are you sure? I have a feeling by the time someone gets around to building that fence it'll be located a bit further south... say around Panama.
Give us enough years? That's just plain insulting.
And who is this "WE" you refer to?
The Bush Administration? He doesn't want the fence at all!
Sorry,but build the fence now, and after it's done then get back to me about the rest.
We don't need no stinking "comprehensive" crap!
“And who is this “WE” you refer to?”
The “we” is we Americans. If the government won’t build it, I predict that the American citizens will. But that will take time.
They damned well better build it!
The money has already been spent, and you want private citizens to kick in more money?
Better to march on Washington and shut the city down!
If the Congress will not act to protect the lawful citizens of America, they serve no purpose, and should be thrown out!
“They damned well better build it!”
I agree. The government acually should have had it built years ago.
“The money has already been spent, and you want private citizens to kick in more money?”
I did not say I wanted private citizens to kick in more money. I predicted that they would build the fence. In other words, things will get to the point that citizens will build a fence for self defense in spite of what the government does or does not do.
Bush loves the idea of a “virtual fence”. However, with a virtual fence, drone planes can be down for maintenance, and border staff could reduce at whim. A wall is permanent.
Some say a wall is impossible. The Chinese built a wall hundreds of years ago. We put a man on the moon. I think we can build a wall.
Duncan Hunter is clearly the strongest candidate in this race, and would be as much of a contrast to the Hillary/Obama/Whoever the Dems nominate as Reagan was to Carter. He’d run away with the election.
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