Terry Everett, September 18, 2006

The U.S. House of Representatives demonstrated last week that it remains serious about protecting America’s border with Mexico by passing legislation specifically calling for the construction of a special border fence. The legislation, which mirrors a similar provision in the House-passed immigration bill from last December, is aimed at addressing what many lawmakers see as the most pressing issue in the overall immigration debate – securing our borders.

Last Thursday, the U.S. House passed the Secure Fence Act (HR 6061) by a margin of 283 to 138. I joined the entire Alabama delegation in voting for it. The legislation provides for the construction of 700 miles of double-layered, reinforced fencing along the U.S.-Mexican border in the portions of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas that are the most utilized by illegals to enter the United States.

It has been estimated that America’s illegal alien population numbers nearly 12 million, most coming from Mexico and other countries in Central America. Furthermore, these illegals find little in their way to stop them as they attempt to enter the U.S. via rural open border areas. Border Patrol agents are so overwhelmed with the task of policing a 1,900-mile, largely wide open border, that they are only able to stop approximately one-half of the 2.5 million who try to illegally cross into the U.S. each year.

Opponents of a secure border claim that such fencing would be ineffective. However, in 1996 when Congress ordered the construction of a 14-mile fence along the border between Mexico and San Diego, California, there was a positive outcome. Fewer illegal aliens are able to enter the U.S. there and arrests have reflected that trend as apprehensions in that area are down from 200,000 in 1992 to 9,000 in 2005. Crime rates in the area have fallen by 47 percent.

As many following the current immigration debate already know, the House also called for an effective border fence when we passed our tough immigration reform legislation in December. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate ignored the House and approved legislation that fails to protect our borders while allowing amnesty for illegals already in America. The result is a legislative deadlock. The American people have made it very clear that they want a secure border with Mexico given top priority, and the House agrees. The best way to accomplish this is by the passage of this stand-alone, tough border control bill. And contrary to the Senate, our bill does not ask for Mexico’s permission to build it!

Frankly, if the Senate will not see fit to pass an immigration reform bill, the House is prepared to vote this fall on a number of separate bills targeting specific problems with illegal immigration. We will send them over one at a time to the Senate for a vote. Last week’s Secure Fence Act was but the first. To follow, in the weeks ahead the House will vote on the Criminal Alien Removal Act, the Alien Gang Removal Act, the Dangerous Alien Detention Act, the State and Local Law Enforcement Cooperation in the Enforcement of Immigration Law Act, and the Border Tunnel Prevention Act.

America remains at risk so long as our borders are unprotected. Illegal immigration is not the only consequence. Terrorists are also seeking ways to enter our country and use our southern border to do us harm. Failing to secure our borders in the face of such threats is gross negligence. It is time for a border fence.

Congressman Terry Everett, a Republican, represents Alabama's Second Congressional District, which includes the state capitol, Montgomery.