U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS APPLAUDS NOMINATION OF ALAN BERSIN TO HEAD CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

Arizona lawmaker cites his experience in dealing with border-area challenges

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today issued the following statement on President Obama’s decision to nominate Alan Bersin as the new commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.


The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency is our nation’s largest and one of our most important law-enforcement agencies. Its 57,000 employees require the leadership of a skilled professional with extensive knowledge of the border. Alan Bersin is that person.

Mr. Bersin is a former U.S. attorney who oversaw a crackdown on illegal immigration along the California-Mexico border a decade ago. Since April, he has advised Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on issues related to Mexico and the border.

In only four months at DHS, Mr. Bersin has had a direct and positive impact on border security operations in Southern Arizona. He has been to our region several times to assess the situation on the ground and has met with residents, law enforcement personnel and community groups concerned with border issues. Mr. Bersin understands that the Tucson Sector is the most porous part of our border with Mexico and is committed to sending us the resources we need.  Those resources have already begun to arrive.

The challenges facing those who guard our borders are enormous. They must keep terrorists and their weapons out of our country; facilitate travel and trade; and enforce our immigration and drug laws. They need a professional like Mr. Bersin calling the shots.

I am confident that Mr. Bersin can meet these challenges. I hope he is quickly confirmed by the Senate so he can assume his responsibilities as soon as possible.