Rep. Tiahrt Introduces Tough Border Security Bill
On Wednesday, April 28, true immigration reformer Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.), along with Reps. Brian Bilbray (R-Cal.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Cal.), Todd Akin (R-Missouri), and Ken Calvert (R-Cal.), introduced “The Secure the Border Act of 2010” (H.R. 5173). With violence along the border rising to dangerous levels (see FAIR’s Legislative Update, May 3, 2010), H.R. 5173 would implement a number of long overdue measures to secure our porous borders.
Specifically, the Secure the Border Act would:
Require the Department of Homeland Security to construct double-layered, reinforced fencing along the entire U.S.-Mexico border (§2(a));
Mandate the installation of additional strategic structures, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors along the border (Id.); and
Create a border surveillance program that would continuously monitor the entire U.S.-Mexico border through the use of aerial surveillance technology, sensors, satellites, and other equipment (§4(a)).
Since the bill’s introduction, nine additional Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 5173, including: Gresham Barrett (R-S.C.); Vern Buchanan (R-Flo.); Dan Burton (R-Ind.); Trent Franks (R-Ariz.); Elton Gallegly (R-Cal.); Walter Jones, Jr. (R-N.C.); Kenny Marchant (R-Tex.); Sue Myrick (R-N.C.); Edward Royce (R-Cal.); and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.). (See Cosponsor Listing).
Rep. Tiahrt commented on why he introduced the bill: “The federal government has neglected its responsibility to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. Current and past administrations are all responsible. It is vital for our national security and economic welfare that we shut down illegal entry into the United States and get serious about aggressive border protection.” Tiahrt concluded: “We must put an end to the half million illegal immigrants who continue to come across the U.S. border every year. The Secure the Border Act is a dramatic step toward ending illegal immigration and making our country safer.” (Press Release, April 28, 2010).
FAIR has strongly endorsed the Secure the Border Act. FAIR President Dan Stein noted: “The Secure the Border Act demonstrates Congressman Tiahrt’s serious commitment to securing the borders and to the American people, who in poll after poll say they support increased border security as a solution to mass illegal immigration. His legislation clearly puts the priorities of Americans before those of special interests.” (Id.; See also FAIR’s Letter to Rep. Tiahrt, April 27, 2010).