H.R. 2083 would secure smuggling routes on the U.S.-Mexico border, better prevent the smuggling of narcotics and weapons across the border.
Detailed Summary
Border Sovereignty and Protection Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to require that: (1) at least 350 miles of fencing along the southwest border be two layers of reinforced fencing separated by a Border Patrol access road; (2) such work shall be completed within one year of enactment of this Act; and (3) fencing existing as of April 1, 2009, shall not be considered in meeting the mileage requirement.
Gives the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) full authority, concurrent with that of the Department of Justice, to investigate violations of the Controlled Substances Act or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act.
Amends the federal criminal code to provide for a fine and/or at least 15 years imprisonment for firearms smuggling in connection with a crime of violence or drug trafficking.
Makes a state or local subdivision ineligible for state criminal assistance program (SCAAP) funding if such state or subdivision: (1) has in effect any law, policy, or procedure prohibiting or restricting communication with the Immigration and Naturalization Service or other government entity regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status; or (2) prohibits state or local law enforcement officials from gathering information regarding an individual's citizenship or immigration status.
Sets forth provisions regarding the expedited removal of: (1) inadmissible arriving aliens; and (2) criminal aliens.
Makes the basic pilot employment verification (E-Verify) program permanent.
Sets forth the following E-Verify compliance schedule: (1) one year from enactment of this Act for federal agencies, federal contractors, and employers of more than 250 persons; (2) two years from enactment for employers of 100 or more persons; (3) three years from enactment for employers of 30 or more persons; and (4) four years from enactment for all employers.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/26/2009: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Jeff
May 13, 2009, 10:45pm (report abuse)This bill is a matter of simple common sense. We cannot have a secure nation without secure boders.
However, I fear this bill has little chance of being passed in the current political climate in congress. And because there is very little common sense prvailing in Congress these days; just political correctness.