Washington, D.C. - The US House of Representatives passed a bill today to build double-layered reinforced fencing along critical parts of the US-Mexico Border. U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson strongly supported its passage.

“Border security must come before all other immigration reform,” said Johnson.  “If we cannot adequately control who enters and leaves this country, then we cannot guarantee our national security.”

There are an estimated 12 million undocumented illegal immigrants in the United States, and some experts believe that an additional one million enter each year. The legislation calls for over 700 miles of the new, reinforced fencing along the southwest border at vulnerable, highly populated areas. Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security would assume and maintain operational control over the entire border through a “virtual fence” that deploys cameras, ground sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and integrated surveillance technology.

“U.S. citizens have a right to real border security. We have the responsibility to do all in our power to guarantee that, and this legislation is a crucial first step.”

Last December, the House passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that included a similar fence provision, as well as language demanding stricter enforcement of current immigration laws. Rep. Johnson also supported that legislation.

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