Boeing virtual fence approved by U.S. to control border

William Atkins
Wednesday, 05 March 2008 19:58

Science - Climate

According to the SBI website, “The Secure Border Initiative (SBI) is a comprehensive multi-year plan to secure America’s borders and reduce illegal migration. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has announced an overall vision for the SBI which includes:”

“More agents to patrol our borders, secure our ports of entry and enforce immigration laws;

Expanded detention and removal capabilities to eliminate “catch and release” once and for all;

A comprehensive and systemic upgrading of the technology used in controlling the border, including increased manned aerial assets, expanded use of UAVs, and next-generation detection technology;

Increased investment in infrastructure improvements at the border – providing additional physical security to sharply reduce illegal border crossings; and

Greatly increased interior enforcement of our immigration laws – including more robust worksite enforcement.”

Of course, criticisms have been levied on building a physical fence to the south (Mexico) and to the north (Canada).

The virtual fence is part of a plan to build physical fences and increase the number of border agents along the approximate 6,000 miles (8,800 kilometers) of borders with Canada and Mexico.

According to the U.S. government, about one-half of the illegal immigrants are in the United States from entering the country at official border points but with the use false identification or by remaining in the country (and not returning to their home countries) when their visas are due.

The other half of the illegal immigrants walk or drive into the United States through unsecured points in the border.

About eleven million illegal immigrants are in the United States at any given time.