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U.S.-Mexico border fence

 

*NEW* 4 Facts about Border Enforcement (PDF)

On April 1, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security began using a blanket waiver of environmental and land management laws along 470 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border to speed construction of fencing and walls.

Laws waived included the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Such laws are designed not only to protect wildlife and natural habitats, but to protect human health as well.

Legislative action

On April 23, the Border Security and Responsibility Act of 2009, H.R. 2076, was introduced by Rep. Raul M. Grijalva. The MCC Washington Office is encouraging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to cosponsor this legislation, as it would:

  • Provide for flexibility rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to border security. In addition to calling for a strategy that takes into consideration the effectiveness of various security measures, the bill would review associated costs to promote fiscal responsibility and to minimize impacts to cultural and natural resource investments.
  • Allow land managers, local officials, and local communities to have a say in border security decisions, requiring full public notice and participation.
  • Ensure full compliance with laws intended to protect air, water, wildlife, culture, and health and public safety.
  • Develop initiatives to help mitigate damage to communities and natural resources, including the network of congressionally protected federal lands along the border.