Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would boost security along the northern border.
The Northern Border Staffing and Security Enhancement Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to Congress a northern border threat analysis every five years. DHS released a congressionally mandated threat analysis in 2017 and last updated its northern border strategy in 2018.
The bill also would require DHS to address staffing challenges at northern ports of entry and the anticipated 400 percent increase in U.S. Customs and Border Protection retirements in 2028. The agency already is facing a shortage of nearly 6,000 officers.
“The southern border might receive more media attention, but our northern border is essential to Upstate New York and North Country residents from invasion,” House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik said. “I am working with DHS to update the northern border threat analysis and prioritize the staffing challenges that have left our state vulnerable to illegal migration including terrorists, drug traffickers and gang members.”
U.S. Reps. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Pete Stauber (R-MN) introduced the bill.
It is more difficult to staff northern ports because they are located in isolated areas with scarce housing, harsh winters, and limited economic opportunity.