Senate Approves Border Bill
Posted Apr 26, 2002
The U.S. Senate approved the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2001 on April 18, 2002. [Since the Bill was originally introduced at the end of 2001 it is referred to with that date.] In order for this bill to become a law it must also pass in the House of Representatives (House) and then be signed by the President. This bill (H.R. 3525) has strong support in the House, which is expected to take the matter up in the near future. Provisions of H.R. 3525 include stricter requirements for visa applications, inspections at the border, and tracking of immigrants within the U.S.

The goal of the bill is to put protective measures into place within the U.S. as well as beyond our borders in order to prevent terrorists from entering the country. The American Immigration Lawyers Association has expressed support for H.R. 3525, describing it as legislation that acts to "isolate terrorism without isolating America."

The key provisions of H.R. 3525 include :

  • Increased staffing, funding, and training for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS);

  • Information sharing by intelligence-gathering and law enforcement agencies with the INS and DOS;

  • Creation of a "North America Security Perimeter" by working with Canada and Mexico to coordinate law enforcement and share intelligence.

Immigration advocates view this bill as an intelligent alternative to overly restrictive, reactionary proposals. We will continue to follow this bill as it has broad, bi-partisan support and is expected to become law shortly.


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