Members of Congress propose new border security agency
Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., a member of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, Tuesday unveiled a set of border security proposals in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"Last week, I urged leadership to quickly adopt these measures in current legislation before Congress, and I hope that after my colleagues [review] this package, they will join my effort," Tancredo said.
The caucus has proposed the creation of a new border security agency responsible for all aspects of securing the border.
The caucus also wants to reject further extension of the section 245(i) program, thereby reinstating the requirement that aliens return to their homelands to await word on an adjustment of their visa status.
The caucus also suggests imposing a temporary moratorium on immigration to decrease the risk of terrorists sneaking into the country, giving the INS and other agencies time to implement other provisions of the plan.
Tancredo noted two of the caucus' proposals--one denying entrance into the country to individuals who support or are affiliated with a terrorist organization, and another that provides for sharing of visa record applications with law enforcement agencies--were included in the anti-terrorism act passed in the House last Friday.
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