House Bolsters Border Security

House Bolsters Border Security

(Washington D.C.)- The United States House of Representatives has taken a major step towards keeping Americans safe by passing the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. Congressman Michael McCaul, who represents the 10th Congressional District, called the comprehensive legislation a real fix to one of America's biggest problems and threats.

The legislation contains provisions authored by Congressman McCaul that includes mandatory detention by mid-2006 of all illegal aliens caught in the United States.

"This legislation will give our border patrol the tools they need to get the job done, and will end the ‘catch and release' policy of undocumented aliens, particularly those from countries other than Mexico (OTM)," stated Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas). He went on to say, "Unknown OTM's crossing our borders present a dire national security risk since most of the detained OTM's are immediately released into our streets, never to return for their court date. Sadly, the number of OTM's crossing America's borders has tripled over the last three years."

Representative McCaul also authored legislation in the bill which allows states to use federal money to reimburse cities and counties for expenses they incur dealing with illegal immigration.

"Protecting America's borders is the federal government's responsibility," stated Congressman Michael McCaul. "However, if we have learned anything after 9/11, it is that the federal government must work with state and local law enforcement to prevent terrorism."

The bill also combats hiring illegal workers by instituting an employment eligibility verification system, greatly increases penalties for smuggling aliens across the border, cracks down on alien gang members, increases penalties for immigrants who illegally cross America's borders and bars aliens convicted of felonies from entering the United States.

In addition to providing a national border security strategy, the bill establishes physical barriers and incorporates widespread, state-of-the-art surveillance technology, including cameras, sensors, radar, satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in order to ensure one hundred percent coverage of America's borders.

"It's no longer simply about federal authorities patrolling the border," stated Congressman McCaul. He went on to say, "We now have high tech support in unmanned drones, cameras and various sensors all working to help the men and women of the border patrol discover, locate and arrest those illegally trying to enter the United States."

Congressman McCaul serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Investigations, and maintains his role as Freshman Representative to the Republican Leadership.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx10_mccaul/12_17_05_bor4437.html