“There is no reason why the wealthiest country in the world cannot find the resources to get control of our borders and account for every individual entering this country,” said Congressman Berry. “We are failing our citizens and jeopardizing our national security by allowing thousands of undocumented aliens to pour into our country every day. This is an emergency situation that demands the immediate attention of our elected leaders.”

Congressman Berry voted for the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 which passed the House last December. The bill authorizes the hiring of an additional 2,000 Border Patrol agents each year, new border surveillance technologies, and the construction of fences along the southern border. 

As a member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Berry has voted fifteen times to increase funding for the nation’s border security programs amidst strong opposition from Republicans on the committee. If Republicans had not defeated each of these votes, the United States would now have over 6,600 additional border patrol agents, 14,000 detention beds, and 2,700 more customs and immigration enforcement agents.

“Americans deserve leaders who are ready to make border security a top priority and take this country in a new direction,” said Congressman Berry. “I hope my colleagues join me in support of this important resolution and stand ready to do whatever it takes to prevent terrorists from entering this country.”

There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently living in the United States. Experts predict that as many as 500,000 additional illegal immigrants will enter the country each year.