Congress Must Stay Focused on Border Security  

By U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss

While I travel around the state this month, from North Georgia to South Georgia , I continue to hear a great deal from folks about the issue of illegal immigration, and I have heard first-hand about the considerable strain the illegal population places on local communities.  It affects local budgets, hospitals, schools, and puts more pressure on our law enforcement personnel. 

Earlier this year, the American people watched as Congress debated how to handle the growing crisis of illegal immigration. During that debate, there were a wide variety of views expressed regarding the best way to stop illegal immigration and how to address the presence of an estimated 15 to 20 million illegal aliens currently in the United States . However, there was one issue on which everybody agreed; that is, the need to secure our borders.

Prior to Congress’ adjournment for October, the U.S. Senate approved several pieces of legislation that will enhance our border security efforts.  While I supported these measures, there is more that needs to be done, and Congress must continue to stay focused on finding a solution without providing amnesty for those who have come to this country illegally. 

One measure approved by Congress includes The Secure Fence Act of 2006, legislation that authorizes construction of 700 miles of double-layered fencing along the Southern United States border.  Additionally, it directs the Department of Homeland Security to achieve operational control over all international land and maritime borders within 18 months of enactment, including surveillance using unmanned aerial vehicles.  I do not believe that building a fence is the only solution, but it is a step in the right direction.

            Congress also passed the annual Homeland Security funding bill, which includes a number of increases for border security measures, including:

• 3,736 additional new Border Patrol agents, for a total of 14,555
• 9,150 additional new detention beds for a total of 27,500
• 1,373 additional detention personnel for a total of more than 5,500
• $682 million for border tactical infrastructure and facilities construction

I supported the Secure Fence Act and the Homeland Security Appropriations bill and was pleased to see them pass.  However, we must keep in mind that there is more to this debate than the presence of illegal immigrants. Securing our borders will also stop illegal commercial activities, such as human trafficking and drug and weapons smuggling -- the three most lucrative illegal commercial activities in the world.  Therefore, it is an important national security matter for us to take the appropriate steps to gain operational control of our borders. We have all heard from our constituents and know they demand no more and deserve no less.  Congress needs to keep focused on this critical issue.

  Saxby Chambliss is Georgia ’s senior U.S. Senator.  He is a Republican from Moultrie .