Legislation that aims to address a variety of issues related to illegal immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking, law enforcement officer safety, and overall security along the nation’s international borders was recently introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX).
“Securing our borders is first and foremost a national security issue,” McCaul said. “Illegal immigrants, smugglers, and drug cartels continue to infiltrate our country so we must quickly secure the homeland through infrastructure, technology, and personnel.”
The Border Security for America Act specifically provides a total of $10 billion for the deployment and construction of tactical infrastructure and technology to achieve full operational control and situational awareness of the nation’s souther border with Mexico. The deployment would include a physical wall, fencing, technology, and a number of air assets.
An additional $5 billion will be provided in order to improve, modernize, and enhance the nation’s ports of entry by targeting illegal immigration and various trafficking schemes.
Additionally, the legislation authorizes the full deployment of the biometric entry/exit system at all ports in order to identify visa overstays.
The act also adds 5,000 Border Patrol agents and 5,000 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, while streamlining the way veterans and existing law enforcement officers can be hired to either agency.
A total of $35 million will be provided as reimbursement for states that have called for the National Guard to assist in immigration enforcement operations, such as the state of Texas.
In order to enhance law enforcement capabilities and safety, the act doubles the Stonegarden grant program at $110 million so state and local entities can aggressively combat drug trafficking and smuggling along the border.
“We are talking about a historic, multi-layered defense system that makes it nearly impossible for bad actors to slip through the cracks,” McCaul said. “We must have physical barriers—including a wall where necessary and fencing when appropriate, the right technology, and more personnel in place to enforce our laws and detain those attempting to enter illegally… My bill finally provides Americans the secure border they have long demanded and deserve.”