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The United States is undertaking a large project to build a fence along large segments of the US-Mexico border in an attempt to keep illegal immigrants from entry. While it varies in structure, it is generally 12 feet (~3.5 meters) in height, built of steel and concrete, with many sensors and cameras located along its length.
The US-Mexico border stretches for over 2000 miles (~3200 km), about83 miles of which are currently fenced. $2.5 billion in spending proposed by the House of Representatives will increase the total length to 850 miles or more. While it will not all be in one piece, it will be targeted at some of the more difficult to patrol regions, leaving the gaps in the fence for more traditional methods of surveillance.
Directly related to this issue, President George Bush will give a prime-time speech on Monday, 15 May in which he is expected to announce the use of the US National Guard to enhance patrol efforts.The US Border Patrol has been considered to be stretched thin for the current job.
The full Congress will debate these issues over the next few weeks.Last week it was announced that some level of immigration reform will be attempted before the upcoming US Labor Day holiday. Politicians are under intense pressure as the election year seems to be off to an early start, with immigration becoming a central topic related to the economy.
Use of funding on this issue will be controversial when it could be used for other domestic needs, while use of the National Guard may be even more controversial. Traditionally, the National Guard is viewed as a military operation. Military organizations and force used for civilian issues has never been popular in the US. Additionally, use of the National Guard in the Iraq conflict has seriously drained its resources and manpower already. Many Americans are sympathetic to the people serving in the National Guard, who have suffered visible hardship through lost jobs and unusual military service over the past few years.
