Border-security measure backed
Senate sends to president bill that increases security presence along border
Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer
Friday, August 13, 2010


U.S. Sen. Mark Udall yesterday hailed the Senate for sending to the president border-security legislation he backed that would raise $600 million to increase border control efforts along the Mexico border.

The measure, which is paid for by imposing higher visa fees on some Indian technology companies operating in the United States, would add an estimated 1,500 border patrol agents, customs inspectors and other law enforcement officials along the southwestern border. It would also add two more unmanned aerial drones to monitor border activities.

President Obama is expected to sign the legislation, which his administration has called for as part of an effort to combat drug smuggling, human trafficking and other organized crime activity along the southwestern border.

The House backed the legislation earlier this week during a rare pause from its six-week August recess.

Udall, D-Colo., backed and co-sponsored the legislation as a compromise that takes a step in the direction of immigration reform.

“This bill targets resources at fighting the most dangerous criminals, including human traffickers and those who attempt to smuggle weapons, drugs and money across our borders Ń and it does so without adding to our deficit,â€