The Secure Fence Act of 2006 ( ) was enacted October 26, 2006 in the United States. The act allows for over of double-reinforced fence to be built along the border with Mexico, across cities and deserts alike, in the U.S. states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in areas that have experienced illegal drug trafficking and illegal immigration. It authorizes the installation of more lighting, vehicle barriers, and border checkpoints, while putting in place more advanced equipment like sensors, cameras, satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles in an attempt to watch and control illegal immigration into the United States. Officials say that it will help cut down on the number of illegal vehicles that go back and forth across the border bringing illegal drugs.

Public opinion

On October 26, 2006 CNN posted the results from a survey by Opinion Research Corp. to 1,013 Americans regarding border control. 74 percent of those polled said that they are in favor of increasing the number of Border Patrol agents along the southern border but 55 percent opposed construction of a fence.

On August 18, 2007, Rasmussen Reports published the results of a nationwide survey of 800 Americans on illegal immigration and reported that by a 56% to 31% margin, respondents were in favor of constructing the fence.

Mayors from some border towns on either side of the border have expressed opposition to construction of the fence.

See also

• United States–Mexico barrier

References

External links

• The Wall: A film documenting the impact of a fence on the U.S./Mexico border.
• HR 6061, Secure Fence Act of 2006 via THOMAS