Blurry line between immigration and security

Among differing views concerning the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, the House Subcommittee on Border Maritime and Global Counterterrorism met to analyze the current state of security found at the United States’s borders and ports of entry. Multiple witnesses expressed support for Rep. Heath Shuler’s (D-N.C.) Secure America with Verification and Enforcement Act (SAVE Act,) an act that would increase the number of border patrol agents, enlarge specialized enforcement programs, and mandate the Employment Verification Program (E-Verify) among employers.

Members of Congress representing border regions spoke on the security challenges that must be met along the border and at ports of entry. They described border patrols in their districts as underfunded and understaffed while emphasizing the need for a more efficient force to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking and a program to attract and retain border patrol agents. Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) added that agents "only need a basic Chevrolet" along the border, a reference to the inappropriate allocation of funds. Witnesses also promoted E-Verify as a way to deter continued illegal immigration.

The fine line between border security and illegal immigration was highlighted by disagreements pertaining to the jurisdiction of the subcommittee. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) withdrew a question regarding amnesty for illegal immigrants after Chairwoman Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) reminded him that the subcommittee’s focus was security. Ranking member Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) said that a comprehensive solution necessitates discussion on a wide range of topics. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, stated that many of the topics in question are under discussion within the Judiciary Committee and that it is careful not to infringe on the jurisdiction of the Homeland Security Committee.

Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing on "Border Security Programs and Operations - Challenges and Priorities."

The Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on "Border Security Programs and Operations - Challenges and Priorities."

Both Chairman David Price (D-NC) and Ranking Member Harold Rogers (R-KY) expressed great interest on the part of the Subcommittee in ensuring that Congressional objectives are attained. The Congress has directed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate non-fence options involving biometric and sensor technology and use them in place of traditional methods whenever possible. Such has been the decision in Laredo, Texas, where sensors, cameras, and patrols have been chosen rather than a fence; this policy is intended to cut costs and prove more effective and efficient.

Rogers said there “are no more excuses” as the agencies involved have received adequate funding and a national mandate from Congress and the people to proceed with closing the border. He quoted DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff as saying the northern border is a greater security threat than the southern, as more Al Qaida related individuals have been intercepted there

Greg Giddens, Executive Director of the Secure Border Initiative, said his organization is on track to achieve the Congressional goal of 670 miles of fence on southern border, despite setbacks and delays. Landowners on the southern border must allow entry to federal agencies for surveying and construction purposes. 77 out of 400 such landowners have not permitted such access. However, this group comprises only 22 miles of border.

Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX) stated that a border fence is only as good as the time it takes to get over it. If the fence takes 10 minutes to cross, those 10 minutes are what a border patrol gets to intercept violators.

In general, the hearing portrayed confidence in the ultimate success of these programs.