The Finish The Freaking Fence Act
Ok, that’s not exactly what Sen. Jim DeMint is calling his new piece of legislation to finish what the cosmetic Secure The Fence Act was supposed to do. He’s calling it the Complete The Fence Act. My title’s better, don’t you think? Anyway, as I mentioned last night, conservative Republican Senators are going on the immigration enforcement offensive–and DeMint’s bill is part of the campaign. I know some of you are very cynical about this latest push. And believe me, I can’t blame you. But many of the Senators involved in this effort were leaders of the vital movement that stopped the McCain-Kennedy-Bush shamnesty.
So: Si, se puede?
If the GOP wants to salvage its credibility on homeland security and the rule of law: Yes, they must.
DeMint Introduces “Complete the Fence” Bill
Sets 2010 Deadline for Completion of 700 Miles of Physical, Pedestrian Fencing on Southern Border
Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) introduced the “Complete the Fence Act” that will require the completion of 700 miles of reinforced pedestrian fencing along the nation’s southern border by December 31, 2010. The bill also requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report to Congress by June 2009 on fence construction progress and how it plans to complete the full fence by the 2010 deadline.
“Americans demand a secure border and the first step is to complete the fence,” said Senator DeMint. “Our nation’s borders are fundamental to our national security and our sovereignty, and we can’t delay any longer. If we want to have a legal immigration system that works, we must have a secure border so we know who is entering and leaving the United States.”
In September 2006, Congress overwhelmingly passed and the President signed a bill that required 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. The “Complete the Fence Act” will require DHS to complete the 700 miles fence by December 31, 2010, using only reinforced pedestrian fencing, not vehicle barriers or “virtual” fencing.
In direct conflict with the requirements set by Congress in 2006, DHS Secretary Chertoff has recently attempted to count vehicle barriers that stand only a few feet high and can easily be walked around as part of total fencing completed. DHS claims to have completed 302 miles of fencing by counting 134 miles of vehicle barriers. DHS has actually only completed 167 miles of physical, pedestrian fencing.
Last week, at a U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee hearing, U.S. Border Patrol officials admitted that the “virtual fencing”, which was to account for nearly 300 miles of the 700 mile fence, is not working as promised and will not be operational for at least 3 more years. The technology encountered numerous problems that included: software integration, synching cameras with the radar systems, trouble identifying objects among desert trees, rain interference, and easy targets for drug traffickers to disable.
“Border security cannot wait any longer and we cannot depend on failed virtual fencing or vehicle barriers that won’t stop pedestrians,” said Senator DeMint. “We must keep our promise to America and build a real fence to secure our borders immediately.”
“Over half a million new illegal immigrants enter our nation every year. But this is more than an immigration problem. The southern border is where the majority of cocaine is smuggled in, and where heroin, marijuana and crystal meth flood into our country. It’s where the disgusting and immoral practice of human trafficking happens, with thousands of people sold into modern day slavery and prostitution. And most importantly, the border is a national security threat that leaves America vulnerable to terrorists and weapons of mass destruction,” said Senator DeMint.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: The nonpartisan Pew Hispanic Center estimates that about 850,000 illegal immigrants enter the U.S. each year.
TERRORISM: The Office of National Drug Control Policy released an unclassified counternarcotics strategy for the southwest border in 2007, stating: “Since the events of September 11, 2001, the Southwest Border has assumed even greater significance. The threat of terrorism looms large wherever criminals regularly exploit gaps in homeland security. Terrorists could conceivably attempt to enter the United States or smuggle weapons of mass destruction (WMD) across the Southwest Border by utilizing routes and methods established by drug and alien smugglers.”
DRUG SMUGGLING: According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 65% of the cocaine smuggled into the U.S. comes through across the Mexican border. DEA also reports that large amounts of heroin, crystal meth and marijuana are routinely smuggled at the southern border.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING: The U.S. State Department estimates “about 17,000 people are being “trafficked” from Mexico into the United States each year. That number includes migrant workers, and women and children brought into the United States for purposes of commercial and sexual exploitation.”
Meanwhile…National Guardsmen are being pulled off the southern border prematurely in New Mexico:
The state said there will be a six month gap of vulnerability at the border when feds pull National Guard troops.
Sate homeland security said the National Guard on the border will leave in July, six months earlier than expected. Officials said border agents won�t take over until December at the earliest, leaving more than 180 miles of border virtually unwatched.
The original plan was to have the National Guard watch the border until 6,000 new agents could be properly trained.
Border patrol officials said that won�t happen until December, but state officials said that�s not stopping the feds from pulling the plug early.
State officials said the feds are not saying what�s behind the early withdrawal of guard troops from across the country.
The state said the withdrawal leaves the New Mexico border vulnerable.
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Hmmm… where is the oversite?
This is precisely the sort of thing that needs to be done to help “herd” McCain along the better path when it comes to “border security first, then talk about what to do with the ones who are already here.”
We’ll see how it goes in a majority donkey Senate, though. Somehow the letters “D.O.A.” keep flashing in my mind.
You guys are forgetting that America is just a continent. Its for everybody!
Of course. It would make too much sense to actually having someone guarding our Southern border, where illegal immigration is so rampant, wouldn’t it? Ugh!
This whole border security saga boils down to the political elites giving the majority of American citizens a big, arrogant middle finger.
It’s so bloody enraging.
Romeo13: Where is the oversight?
We are the oversight!
and the overslighted….
It’s hard to get fired up about a rhetorical fence, Michelle.
As I said in that other thread, talk is cheap and I ain’t buying none. Show me some action! This “but this time we’re really, REALLY serious!” stuff just won’t cut it!
#4 BarryF
Of course. It would make too much sense to actually having someone guarding our Southern border, where illegal immigration is so rampant, wouldn’t it? Ugh
It would also make too much sense to stop putting our Border Patrolmen in prison for doing their job.
If our congress passes laws and then does not enforce them, then that is pretty much the same as not having the laws isn’t it? Why can’t we sue them to force them to either 1) enforce the existing laws, or 2) go through the process of repealing the laws.
I would bet doing the second would be much worse for their careers than the first.
It gives me hope that there are at least a few real Republicans left in Congress. We’re angry and we’re not going to take it anymore. Get it in gear Congress. Enforce the laws of our country, secure our borders and keep your promises.
Hmmmm….6 months early….hmmm…Bill Richardson’s state….hmmmm…potential running mate issue?
This is probably all just political theater to “rally the base”. Me thinks even if McCain is elected, there will be amnesty in 6 months.
“GOP wants to salvage its credibility”.
The only way any credibility will come from me is when they close the boarder. Put the fence up and not just some wire strung between posts. Press charges on those who hire ILLEGALS to improve their profiet margins, give long sentances to the ILLEGALS that are drinking and driving and murdering our citizens, stealing our identities, and fraudulently useing up our welfare and social security funds. Then finally cutting back massively on the amount of tax money we give these invaders homeland in foriegn aid.
When this is done then maybe I will consider the possibility of reviewing the idea of giving them any credit for doing THEIR JOB as elected officials.
I agree. Border Patrol agents should not be prosecuted for doing their job. Bush should have intervened when the DOJ went after Ramos and Compean. But, at the very least, he should pardon them now. Of course, that is just MHO. Who am I that Bush should listen to me?
New numbers on border costs
nad lets not forget….
It’s been 413 days on a 4015 day sentence!
Sunday, February 24, 2008:
While protesting the INJUSTICE done to RAMOS AND COMPEAN, Goldengate Minutemen and Patriot friends are accosted and “Old Glory” attacked by a drunk GANG MEMBER exposing his own ignorance and hateful bigotry.
http://agentramos.blogspot.com/
I read somewhere recently (I think the Washington Times) where there was talk of Bush pardoning Roger Clemmons (sorry, don’t know or care how he spells his name) before his term is over or before he would go to trial. With the exception of the WOT, I’m done with Bush. He needs to pardon Ramos, Camopean and the others who have found themselves in jail (and have been released) for doing their jobs. I have called the White House numerous times about this issue but get the standard garbage from them.
I truly believe it does not matter who is living at 1600 Penn Ave on Jan. 20, 09, amnesty will be given within the first 100 days.
I’m sceptical also, but I’m still glad this is being done. Of course we need to follow-up and see if anything really happens, but the alternative of not ever attemping to do anything is even worse.
Can we still say ” Remember the Alamo”? or has it been replaced with a tacoquirra?
I’m excited to learn that there are still Republicans who haven’t thrown in the towel and America under the bus when it comes to illegal immigration. However, I remain skeptical that much will come of this new bill. But if there is anything I can do in support, I’ll do it. Things have to change for the positive from this moment forward. Otherwise, we are just spinning our wheels.
I will believe this when I see confirmed action on building a barrier that will stem the flow of these invaders by putting some heat on Senator Crapo to support this issue. He has always been great on trying to stop the flow of illegal invaders. Unfortunately lame duck Senator “Happy Feet” Craig is a lost cause. I always love the responses from his staff telling me I don’t understand the complexities of this issue.
Damn near run down by a speeding drunk illegal two summers ago on a training bike ride (when you feel the car against your leg it is too close for comfort). After he got by me he lost control of the vehicle and ended up in the desert. I have zero tolerance for these people and every time I see another story about their latest atrocities against American citizens it almost launches me through the ceiling.
Don’t worry I won’t hold my breath on the traitor Democrats in Congress to allow anything to really get done. In the meantime keep your powder dry and weapons handy, ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒE!
All we need after that is a “shut off the spicket act” and start sending the most blatant illegal alien employers to jail and cutting off social services.
I’ll take Mac on his word that he “has heard” the will of the people on this matter and hope he’ll stick with it.
There’s a certainty of an amnesty push if one of the Dems gets elected.
Legislators like DeMint keep my hope that all is not lost. Not just yet.
Let’s see…DeMint wants to get the border secured and he wants to withhold ear-mark funding from Berkeley for their anti-Marine stance.
He should be a write-in for President on the Republican ticket.
On December 31, 2010, Mr. Lettuce Head, or his ilk, will inform congress the finish the fence act was unfunded and when ask what happened to the original 784 miles of Duncan Hunter caliber fence funding; Mr. Lettuce Head will reply Oh, it was dispersed to other accounts because it lacked activity.
Please call your Reps and senators to sponsor this bill HR 1940!
Please call your reps for this bill regarding 14th amendment.
Alert! Bill would eliminate automatic birthright citizenship for anchor babies!
Ask your representative to support this bill.
HR 1940 would end the practice of granting automatic citizenship to the U.S.-born children of illegal aliens. Nearly every other country, including all members of the European Union, requires that at least one parent be a citizen or permanent resident for a child to automatically become a citizen.
The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2007, by Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate birthright citizenship.
Our current policy results in over 300,000 additional citizens from anchor babies each year. The demographic impact is far greater because their families stay and bring in additional relatives. Anchor babies are eligible to sponsor their illegal alien parents and other relatives when they turn 21. Moreover, taxpayers pick up the tab for the medical costs and subsequent welfare outlays because of the child’s citizenship status.
The 14th Amendment, passed to guarantee the citizenship of freed slaves, grants citizenship to anyone born here and “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States. HR 1940 acknowledges the right of birthright citizenship established by the 14th amendment to the Constitution, but says a person born in the United States is considered “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States only if one of the parents is a citizen, an alien lawfully admitted for permanent, or an alien performing active service in the armed forces.
“leaving more than 180 miles of border virtually unwatched.”
The people making these decisions are either severely retarded, or getting huge payoffs. I suspect the latter.
Since it’s the administration that is supposed to implement the law, and it’s the administration that has failed to implement the border fence law, why isn’t the current congress holding hearings on why the administration isn’t doing it’s job?
Instead of all this fuss over firing of the attorneys issue (which is a non-issue really), and holding hearings on overpaid athletes using steroids, why don’t they have Chertoff up on the hill explaining why the fence isn’t built? The authorization was given, and funded, why aren’t you doing your job Chertoff?
Oh wait, the dhimmicrats are in charge and they don’t want the fence built. Harry and Ted don’t want to be seen on CNN chastizing the Bush Administration for not keeping illegals out. That would be bad for getting the hispanic vote.
Now it makes sense.
I got so upset(pissed) reading MM’s story when I got to
I immediately sent emails to my 2 senators and representative…how naive of me. 1 senator is as blue as the deep blue sea, his pal the rep. is swimming with him stroke for stroke and my other senator is a shallow water swimmer, he’s more purple or known as a RINO. I’m in Orygun if anyone was wondering, but it could be any one of many states any more. What the hell happened to my country!
I’ll have no need to vote come Nov. won’t have a conservative to vote for.
Why can prisoners not be used to build the fence?
The extra cost? Nothing. Those that monitor prisoners get paid regardless.
2010? Why bother? By then, they’ll rule the USA in full force.
I’d say they could build it in less than one year. But they will proceed to debate the issue for many more years.
By then, ole well……have to give them amnesty ’cause they’ll all here now and not in Mexico.
be here…….oops.
#31 Why can’t illegal day labor’s build the fence.
Those that are illegal should be on the other side of the border, working on the fence.
YES INDEED!
It’s hard to underestimate how far reaching this issue is. If we fail to get Washington to act on this, then we risk being ignored on EVERY issue.
Why should those inside the beltway listen?
* Are we effectively organizing opposition to those politicians that don’t enforce immigration laws?
* How many local “sanctuary” supporters have been voted out of office?
* Which organizations have pulled together significant $ to fund pro-enforcement politicians?
* What MSM ads have aired highlighting enforcement issues and naming names?
If we don’t get together on this, together we’ll be ignored on enforcement and most likely many other important issues.
I want to add an amendment to the bill allowing individual property owners along the proposed fence line to be able to have it done at their own expense, earlier, to specification, at the Federally surveyed border, and be reimbursed at the Federally calculated cost. With no minority set-asides, or prevailing union wage requirements.
Whatever inspection regime or Fed survey requirements are needed would be provided by Homeland Security out of their regular budget already calculated to cover those inspections and surveys.
PLEASE someone post the link
wehategringos dot com
(I can never get it right) and this site will make you want to call your congressmen, senators, etc. to stop playing around.
Post it everywhere please!
The only way these politicians will act is when the money stops flowing into their pockets. Do not trust any lofty gestures. This is an election year and they are going to promise us the moon.
Do not give one red cent, or one stinkin’ peso to anyone in either party. This includes Juan McCain. When they feel the pinch of no money, they will act.
As of Monday, Prince William County in Virginia began its highly publicized anti-illegals program that was told to the residents, would cost $26 million. As of the morning (Wednesday), the police have caught 4 of them. What happened? Well…to paraphase the police…”Didn’t we tell you? We can’t arrest these people. That’s for the Federal government and ICE. All we can do is get their name, address and phone number, plus their picture (if all of our cruisers had cameras) and tell them that ICE will be calling them.” Yup, that’s it. That’s what the residents got for their money. If I was a resident there, I’d demand a refund!
#39 The 1996 immigration revision allows the local authorities to ask status when they’re arrested and detain until ICE gets there.
I got a McCain campaign “operative” to call me about McCain’s “new” stance on immigration.
There is NO CHANGE.
He did NOT learn his lesson.
When I asked why the waiting period for Z visas was changed from 90 days in the 2006 version of the bill to one business day in the 2007 versions of the bill – “McCain didn’t write the whole bill”.
When I asked if McCain would crack down on sanctuary cities – “That is a logical local reaction to a local problem. This is democracy in action”
When I said that sanctuary policy was illegal according to federal law – “America was founded on breaking the law.”
When I told him of the success that attrition through enforcement was having in those states doing it – “They are just moving to other states.”
When I said that we should be doing this at the federal level – “The computer system couldn’t handle the load to check the legal right to work for that many workers.”
My last question to him – you mean that same computer system that was going to be used to process 12 to 30 million Z visas in ONE BUSINESS DAY??
xler8bmw, yes, that’s true; however, this program was to check immigration status whenever a police officer stopped someone for a vehicle violation, or any suspicious activity. According to the police chief there, they don’t arrest anyone suspicious regarding status. All they do is get name, address, phone number and picture (if camera available). After that, the illegal is told that “ICE will contact you”. I don’t live around Woodbridge, but for 26 million, I, and I hear many residents too, want a bit more than that, for their money.
I know this is going to sound cynical, but the time to build this fence was in the months after 9/11/01. We could have had it complete by the January 2002, and nobody would have cared. We would now be in our sixth year of having a secure border, and the United States would be a very different, and better, place.
I know it is cynical, but you have to use attacks like 9/11 as an opportunity to forge the political will to do what needs to be done on national security. In the months after the attacks, ratcheting up physical security was a no-brainer. I know where I work we implemented common-sense measures that had been resisted for years. But President Bush fumbled the ball and let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip through his fingers.
Exactly right, Mr. Rooster #38. Stop the money to the RNC and any and all Republican incumbents. When the money stops, lots of things change. Absolutely no money to the McCain campaign! Stop voting for incumbents for another thing.
Writing in Thompson in “08!