As this 109th Congressional session draws to a close I wanted to take the time to update you on what Congress has done recently to address the nation’s very legitimate concerns about immigration and border security.

In the recently passed Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 5441), legislation that funds critical measures designed to strengthen America’s border security and stem the flow of illegal immigration across our borders, $21.3 billion is included for border protection and immigration enforcement.  The bill also provides $5.2 billion for the Secure Border Initiative, which will give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the technology, personnel, and infrastructure to help prevent terrorists and other criminals from exploiting our borders and immigration system.

Last year, Congress gave approval to hire 1,000 new border agents.  Since 1995, Congress has authorized the increased the number of agents from 5,000 to 12,000.   Additionally, last year we appropriated more than $700 million to fund the deployment of 6,000 members of the National Guard to the Border.  Since deployment began in June, we have seen fewer border crossings demonstrating an increased deterrence.

In legislation recently passed is funding to secure operational control of our borders by adding 1,000 new border inspectors, 700 miles of fencing, ending of “catch-and-release,” stopping employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, and cracking down on alien smuggling.

Among the border security measures included in the Homeland Security appropriations measure is $2.77 billion for border patrol, adding 1,500 new Border Patrol agents, for a total of 14,800; $1.38 billion for ICE custody operations, adding 6,700 detention beds, for a total of 27,500.

Another important measure that passed this Congress is the Community Protection Act which insures that dangerous illegal immigrants who cannot be deported because their home country will not accept them cannot otherwise be released into society, creates expedited procedures for the removal of aggravated felons or other criminal illegal aliens, and allows for the deportation of illegal immigrants who are members of violent criminal gangs.

Perhaps one of the most important tools is the Federal Government’s ability to partner with state and local officials to help enforce immigration laws already on the books.   Recently passed into law and funded in the annual appropriations process is the Immigration Law Enforcement Act to reaffirm the authority of state and local law enforcement to investigate, arrest, and transfer to federal custody illegal immigrants, and increase prosecution of alien smugglers by creating uniform prosecution guidelines and increasing the number of prosecutors to prosecute alien smuggling cases, and impose a policy of “catch and return” instead of “catch and release.”  $28.2 million was included in the Homeland Security funding package to assist state and local efforts to enforce immigration law as well as $238 million for transportation and removal of undocumented aliens.


Press Releases about Most Recent Legislation
September 25, 2006  (border security)
September 14, 2006 (boder security)