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Hagan announces support for bipartisan amendment to strengthen border security
Story Date: 6/25/2013
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Source: PRESS RELEAE, 6/24/13
U.S. Senator Kay Hagan (NC) today announced her support for the bipartisan amendment to bolster border security provisions in the Senate immigration reform legislation by doubling the number of border patrol agents, adding hundreds of miles of fencing and using high tech tools to prevent the future flow of illegal immigration.
“Strong border security provisions must be part of commonsense immigration reform, and this bipartisan amendment greatly strengthens the border security provisions in the Senate bill,” Hagan said. “Securing our borders has been one of my top priorities throughout this process, and I have heard from many North Carolinians who want strong border protection. I’m pleased we’ve reached agreement on a bipartisan amendment that will help stop illegal crossings. Our immigration system is broken, and stronger border security measures are central to fixing it.”
The amendment calls for the hiring of close to 20,000 additional border patrol agents, the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the Southern border, and the use of high tech tools to stem the flow of illegal crossings. It also expands the entry/exit visa system at air and sea ports to better track who is in the country and requires all businesses to use an E-Verify system within five years.
Hagan has also introduced amendments to the immigration reform legislation that could receive a vote this week. One of her amendments would reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program to assist local law enforcement agencies with the purchase of bulletproof vests for officers on the street. The program benefited 121 jurisdictions in North Carolina last year alone. The amendment would also establish the Border Crime Prevention Program to help state and local law enforcement increase border security by preventing crime, promoting public safety and prosecuting criminals.
Hagan has also introduced her bipartisan AMERICA Works Act as an amendment. That legislation is a commonsense jobs bill to help address the skills gap and ensure that workers are being trained for jobs that are available now.
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