Forum Publications
S. 744 - Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act
April 24, 2013
This document briefly highlights the provisions of the Senate immigration reform bill, introduced on April 17.
What Does Smart and Effective Border Security Look Like?
March 01, 2013
While spending on border security has risen to record heights, this paper highlights four areas that continue to need attention: (1) adequate border agent training; (2) adequate resources and infrastructure at U.S. land ports of entry; (3) sufficient oversight mechanisms and procedures to hold agents accountable for misconduct; and (4) effective use of border technology.
Immigration Enforcement Today: 2007 Reform Goals Largely Accomplished
February 01, 2013
At the onset of a new debate on broad immigration reform, this paper examines the progress made toward border security and immigration enforcement benchmarks set in 2007 immigration reform legislation. As this paper explains, the benchmarks set in that legislation have largely been met. New legislation that sets up a similar sequenced structure of enforcement plus reform will have to acknowledge the progress that has already been made.
The “Border Bubble”: A Look at Spending on U.S. Borders
November 14, 2012
Despite a sharp decline in the number of persons attempting to cross the border illegally in the last several years, the government continues to increase resources deployed to the border. This paper briefly discusses the technology, infrastructure, and personnel deployed on the border. It also raises cost concerns about some of the technology and programs that have been tried, often unsuccessfully.
Misbehavior at the Border: Are Those Who Control Immigration Out of Control Themselves?
November 01, 2012
This paper looks at corruption and misconduct documented within the Border Patrol and its parent agency, Customs and Border Protection. With rapid growth, high turnover and a high new agent to experienced agent ration, there are questions about the adequacy of training and supervision. Another problem stems from the fact that the Inspector General’s office, which investigates many complaints against CBP agents, has not been properly resourced to keep pace with its workload.
Summaries of Recent Immigration Enforcement Reports
October 18, 2012
This document summarizes a number of reports that have been issued 2008 - 2012 by non-profit and governmental watchdog organizations documenting problems with various immigration enforcement programs.
Analyzing Border Enforcement Operations: Interior Repatriation Programs
September 22, 2012
This paper examines the Mexican Interior Repatriation Program (MIRP), which brings certain Mexican immigrants being removed from the United States into the interior of Mexico, rather than depositing them in the border region. It also briefly examines other repatriation and enforcement operations in effect along the U.S. border with Mexico.
Operation Streamline: Unproven Benefits Outweighed by Cost to Taxpayers
September 12, 2012
This paper examines Operation Streamline, an immigration enforcement program along the Southwest border in which persons caught crossing the border illegally are prosecuted criminally rather than through the immigration courts. The paper details the enormous cost of running this program, and its impact on the criminal justice system’s ability to prosecute more serious crimes. For all its costs and impact on the criminal justice system, the program has never been evaluated for...
The President’s FY 2013 Budget: Department of Homeland Security
February 15, 2012
On February 13, 2012, the President released his Fiscal Year 2013 budget. This paper contains a summary of the immigration-related items in the budget of the Department of Homeland Security.
The President’s FY2013 Budget: Department of Justice
February 15, 2012
On February 13, 2012, the President released his Fiscal Year 2013 budget request. This paper contains a summary of the immigration-related items in the budget of the Department of Justice.
