Photo Credit: Aerr Eltringham

President George W. Bush announced details of the Secure Border Initiative before a gathering of CBP law enforcement personnel in Tucson, Ariz., November 28. "Customs and Border Protection agents can be proud of the work that you're doing," Bush said. "You’re taking control of this border."

“We're going to protect our borders,” Bush said in his December 3 radio address.

To do this, the initiative proposes three interrelated strategies.

Stop illegal border crossing. The administration is increasing manpower, technology and infrastructure at borders. This means 1,700 new Border Patrol agents will be deployed in the southwest this year, more innovative technologies such as unmanned planes will be provided, and new roads and fences will be built.

Return illegal entrants. The U.S. will pursue a policy of interior repatriation that would return Mexicans closer to their home region, away from the border, making a second attempt less likely. For non-Mexicans, the policy of catch and release, where non-Mexicans who are arrested are released pending trial, will end. These offenders will be housed in a facility until their court appearance. The initiative also provides for “expedited removal” where the administrative process is shortened.

Reform immigration laws. Besides establishment of a guest worker program that would provide a legal path for those seeking to come to the United States temporarily for economic reasons, the administration seeks alteration of laws that currently call for the release of illegal immigrants when their home country does not permit their return. Bush also targets those already here illegally through increased enforcement of employment laws and new resources to fight document fraud.

Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte

Commissioner Robert C. Bonner reports on progress achieved during the second stage of the Arizona Border Control Initiative. Border Patrol National Chief David Aguilar, left, also addressed developments on the southwest border during a September press conference.

“America has always been a compassionate nation that values the newcomer and takes great pride in our immigrant heritage. Yet we're also a nation built on the rule of law, and those who enter the country illegally violate the law,” Bush said. “The American people should not have to choose between a welcoming society and a lawful society. We can have both at the same time. And to keep the promise of America, we will enforce the laws of our country.”

The President toured the Tucson, Ariz. border and gave a speech before CBP agents and officers on November 28. “Securing our border is essential to securing the homeland,” Bush told the officers. “America is grateful to those who are on the frontlines of enforcing the border.” The next day the president toured the El Paso, Texas border and reiterated his commitment to the initiative.

Bush said that during his time in office funding for border security has risen 60 percent and that during this period CBP has denied entry to 4.5 million people, 350,000 of which had a criminal record. “Customs and Border Protection agents can be proud of the work that you're doing. You're taking control of this border,” Bush said. “We're going to build on the progress we have made.”

Gaining full control
This initiative provides “a comprehensive view of immigration that provides for nothing less than to gain full control of our borders,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

According to Chertoff, the Secure Border Initiative will provide CBP with:

• More agents to patrol the borders, secure ports of entry and enforce immigration laws;
• Expanded detention and removal capabilities to eliminate catch and release;
• A comprehensive and systemic upgrade of technology used in controlling the border, including increased manned aerial assets, expanded use of unmanned planes and next-generation detection technology; and
• Increased investment in infrastructure improvements at the border, particularly roads and fences, to reduce illegal border crossings. EB