Bush Announces Plan to Deploy 6,000 National Guard Troops to US-Mexico Border

Strategic Insights -

President George W. Bush outlined a comprehensive plan to address the flow of illegal immigrants into the US, including the deployment of up to 6,000 National Guard troops along the US-Mexico border. This effort, aimed at building national support for immigration reform, also includes increasing the number of permanent border patrol agents and detention beds for captured illegal immigrants. The plan's specifics suggest a significant shift in the administration's approach to immigration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The plan involves deploying up to 6,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border, with a decrease to 3,000 troops the following year.
  • The administration plans to increase the number of permanent border patrol agents by 6,000 to 18,000 by the end of 2008, with the majority of these agents stationed at the southern US border.
  • Detention beds for captured illegal immigrants will be increased by 9,000, totaling 27,500 beds, to facilitate deportation instead of release into the US.
  • The government will hold employers accountable for hiring undocumented workers by introducing tamper-proof employment cards that companies must check before hiring immigrant workers.
  • President Bush recommits to supporting a temporary worker program for foreign workers, aiming for a balance between a lawful and welcoming society.

Statistics:

  • Up to 6,000 National Guard troops will be deployed to the US-Mexico border, with a decrease to 3,000 troops the following year.
  • The administration plans to increase permanent border patrol agents from 12,000 to 18,000 by the end of 2008.
  • Detention beds for captured illegal immigrants will increase by 9,000, totaling 27,500 beds.
  • The southern US border will see nearly all of the 18,000 additional permanent border patrol agents proposed by the end of 2008.

Sources:

  • Speech by President George W. Bush, exact date not provided.
  • Interview with Tony Snow, White House spokesman, exact date not provided.
  • Elizabeth Dole, Senate Republicans' campaign effort, "security is not just the base, it's Americans generally."