Number: RL33106
Title: Border Security and the Southwest Border: Background, Legislation, and Issues
Authors: Lisa M. Seghetti, Jennifer Lake, Blas Nunez-Neto, and Alison Siskin, Domestic Social Policy Division; K. Larry Storrs, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division; and Nathan Brooks and Stephen Vina, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report discusses border securityrelated programs and initiatives that have an impact on the southwest border. The programs and initiatives discussed are presented in a two-dimensional framework: (1) enforcement efforts at the POE, between the POE and within the interior of the United States; and (2) programs and initiatives that facilitate the flow of people and goods across the border versus those initiatives that are geared towards controlling and interdicting people and things that may be a threat to the national security. The report opens with a discussion of the differences between the southwest and northern border. It then details the relationship between the United States and Mexico, as it pertains to border security. Next, each major control point (i.e., inspections, border patrol and interior investigations) that has a border security-related component is discussed. The report then focuses on past and current congressional efforts to secure the southwest border. It concludes with a discussion of some of the issues that are crosscutting to the major areas covered in the report. An appendix is provided for additional discussion of legislation.
Pages: 64
Date: September 28, 2005