America’s border security would be improved under newly introduced legislation offered by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).
The senators on Jan. 10 introduced S. 108 to establish a $25 billion trust fund for such purposes, and to organize protections for individuals who entered the United States illegally as children and currently receive support under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
“A fair and reasonable solution will put in place stronger border security measures consistent with the president’s request while also codifying the protections for the DACA population,” Sen. Portman said, adding that those in the DACA program are in the United States “through no fault of their own, and for many, this is the only country they know.”
S. 108, he said, “represents a permanent legislative solution that will allow those in the DACA program to stay here and continue to contribute to our society while strengthening our border security to protect all Americans.”
Federal lawmakers “have a responsibility to resolve this issue, and this legislation is a fair and responsible solution that could get the necessary votes to become law,” said Portman.
If enacted, S. 108 would codify DACA protections for only the existing population of people who are currently covered by the program and the bill would preserve the current renewal process at two-year intervals.
The trust fund established under S. 108 would cover the costs associated with constructing no less than 700 miles of reinforced fencing, additional physical barriers, access and patrol roads, lighting, an interlocking surveillance camera system, and remote sensors, according to a summary provided by the senators’ offices.
Additionally, S. 108 would permit the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase surplus aircraft and unmanned systems to further enhance U.S. border security.
“This bill returns to the basics of what a majority of my colleagues and the president support – providing the necessary resources to strengthen and modernize border security in addition to long-term certainty to DACA recipients,” said Sen. Moran, who urged colleagues on both sides of the aisle “to support this sensible solution that provides us a realistic path forward to resolve this partial government shutdown.”
S. 108 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee.