Border Policy Debate Continues

Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) may "revisit" the authorization of a fence along the U.S. - Mexico border when he becomes Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee in the 110th Congress. House Democrats plan to hold leadership elections for the next session on November 16th. Representative Thompson said that the next session of Congress could "do away" with the fence or consider the technology-based Secure Border Initiative (SBI Net) of the Department of Homeland Security.

Last week mayors from U.S. and Mexican border cities signed a document in opposition to the construction of a border fence. "From El Paso to Brownsville, Texas, we're against building the wall," said Mayor Chad Foster of Eagle Pass, Texas. The document, signed by Mayor Flores, Mayor Foster, and Mayor Evaristo Perez of Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, declared the U.S. - Mexico border a place of solidarity. The text called for U.S. leaders to "reflect on the consequences of this disgraceful plan not only for people of the border but also for humanity." Since 1994, following the launch of Operation Gatekeeper, at least 4,000 individuals have lost their lives attempting to cross the U.S. - Mexico border.

Take actions to expose the situation at the border

Raise Awareness: Learn more about border issues in San Diego and Arizona. Watch a clip of the documentary Rights on Line.