Border Security
"Properly securing our borders will not only protect Americans from the threats posed by terrorists sneaking into our country, it will also prevent drug smugglers from bringing illegal substances into our communities."
— Congressman Bart Gordon
The unregulated flow of illegal immigrants across America’s borders poses a serious threat to the country’s national security. Securing our nation’s borders is one of the most important steps we can take to protect American citizens. While increased border security measures over the past three years have contributed to a decline in the number of illegal crossings, it is estimated that more than 500,000 unauthorized immigrants are still coming into the U.S. each year. This is troubling not only because it highlights the potential ease with which terrorists can enter our country, but also because unsecured borders offer drug smugglers an entryway. The use of methamphetamine, for example, is a huge problem in Tennessee and many other parts of our country. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates approximately 80 percent of the meth consumed in the U.S. is produced in and smuggled over from Mexico.
Sealing our Border with Virtual and Physical Barriers
A September 2008 GAO report concluded that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) virtual fence project is in a “continued state of flux.” Poor management and deployment of advanced technologies have wasted billions of dollars and recklessly delayed the process of properly securing our border. As Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, Bart held a congressional hearing on the Border Security Technology Innovation Act – a bill of which he was an original supporter. This legislation would ensure next-generation border security technology be developed and made available to DHS. Another important component to securing the border is building a physical fence. Bart was a strong supporter of the Secure Fence Act, which authorized the construction of 20 foot-high metal fences along 526 miles of America’s border. DHS has fallen behind schedule and only completed 360 miles of the planned fence to date. Bart remains committed to ensuring that the project is completed.
Partnering with Local Law Enforcement
Unsecured borders have increased pressure on local law enforcement. These local agencies often lack funding and resources, and it is vital that the federal government provide the necessary support for them to carry out their responsibilities. Bart has been a long supporter of funding for and expansion of Law Enforcement Partnership programs (287(g) programs), which allow DHS to establish partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to carry out certain enforcement functions. In June the Tennessee Department of Safety was accepted into the 287(g) program and began training officers, authorizing them to enforce federal immigration law under DHS’ supervision. In the 110th Congress, Bart also strongly supported the Accountability in Enforcing Immigration Laws Act, which would provide additional financial assistance for the Law Enforcement Partnership programs, as well as funding increases for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which reimburses local governments for the costs of incarcerating criminal aliens.
Properly Staffing the Border with Agents
In addition to more fences, the nation’s border needs to be guarded by properly trained Border Patrol agents. They are our nation’s first line of defense against the entry of terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, illicit drugs, and illegal aliens. Bart supported legislation to increase the number of Border Patrol agents. At the beginning of 2007 the Border Patrol had 12,319 agents; as of October 1, 2008 it had grown to 17,499 agents.
Bart has also supported the deployment of National Guard troops to assist border agents with security. This has resulted in the National Guard and Border Patrol working together to operate surveillance systems, analyze intelligence, install fences and vehicle barriers, and build roads. The National Guard’s assistance has improved border security and also allowed the Border Patrol to train more agents.
Related Press:
· Illegal Immigration Down; More Must Be Done (December 29, 2008)
