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Put the Guard on the border

Jun. 2, 2005 11:15 AM

AND STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

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Jack Hart
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Freelance writer

Former newspaper editor and reporter

http://www.azcentral.com/specials/plugg ... 01bio.html

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The news apparently hasn't reached Arizona yet, but a report from a highly-acclaimed Congressional study committee credits the Minuteman Project with proving that additional manpower could "dramatically reduce if not virtually eliminate" illegal immigration.

The effectiveness of the volunteers warrants a call for deployment of National Guard troops working with the Border Patrol, said the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus.

The 71-member caucus, headed by Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican, calls on Gov. Napolitano and the other three governors of border states to immediately request federal funding for mobilization of 36,000 National Guard troops within 30 days.

The 33-page report said the Minutemen, whom it credits with shutting down a 23-mile stretch of the Arizona border in April, served as a model for government effort to reclaim the southern border of the United States. As reported by the Washington Times, the report stated:

"The tide of illegal crossings on the borders of the United States is beyond unsatisfactory; it is catastrophic. It does not ebb and flow - it only grows. It is rising without measure and eroding the very fiber of our safety, life and culture. As we wage the war on terror in foreign lands, we have all our doors and windows open at home... The insanity of such a policy, or silent toleration of such a policy, is almost criminal in itself."

The report slams the Border Patrol, saying it "cannot be relied upon" to remedy the situation soon. It notes that the Border Patrol supervisors said the Minutemen had little or no effect on illegal immigration, then adds, "However, nearly every individual Border Patrol officer who spoke off-the-record in the field to the Caucus team, said that illegal immigration virtually stopped as a direct result of Minutemen activity and publicity."

Readers of this space might recall a blog of a couple weeks ago reporting that Border Patrol agents were confiding that the Minutemen did make a definite impression in curbing illegal immigration. At that time, it was reported that they have plans to expand their presence on the border and that the Yuma Patriots might join in the effort.

Perhaps it is time for the Arizona news media to take seriously these results of the volunteer efforts to stem the flow at the border; and the impact it is having in Washington. Maybe even be so bold as to inquire of Gov. Napolitano about the suggestion that she and other governors join in seeking funds for a National Guard contingent on the border.

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