USA Green Card Immigration Blog

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, border security has emerged as an area of public concern. The border security force has been struggling to keep a check on drug, weapon and human smuggling, while the illegal entry of migrants also remains important issues. Even though the US Department of Homeland Security puts forth several procedures to tighten border security, there are growing concerns over terrorist activities along the vulnerable southwest border with Mexico. Mexico is the second most important trading partner of the United States. The trade connections are significant to many U.S. border communities. In addition, the economic relationship between the two countries has grown considerably over the last decade. The most alarming situation at the southwest border is the number of Mexican nationals who manage to illegally cross the border every day.

As of today, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unmanned aerial capabilities that cover the whole of the Southwest Border. The entire area under border security spans from the El Centro Sector in California to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. With the signing of the recent Southwest border security supplemental legislation, the US Department of Homeland Security provides additional capabilities to reduce the illicit trafficking of people, currency, drugs, and weapons and to secure the South west border. Launched in March 2009, the Southwest Border Initiative has increased the number of personnel in enforcement security task forces and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers working along the U.S.-Mexico border. In its 86-year history there has never been a time when the Border Security was better staffed. The US Department of Homeland Security in collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA) has set aside around $400 million in Recovery Act funding for the Southwest border. Issues such as enforcement of immigration laws and organizational issues continue to be debated, and a comprehensive and effective solution will take some time coming through.