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Proposed fence may hit snag in Congress
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TUCSON, Ariz. — During last fall's pre-election political dance over illegal immigration, President Bush signed legislation approved by the Republican-dominated Congress to build 700 miles of security fencing along the Mexican border.
But there's uncertainty over its future with Democrats now in control of Congress. Several members of Arizona's new congressional delegation and a just-retired congressional veteran doubt the fencing will be built, at least not as envisioned - as a traditional physical barrier.
"It would be my belief or opinion that the 700 miles of fence authorized by the last Congress will not be built, period," said Rep. John Shadegg, a Phoenix Republican.
The fence bill provided no new funding, and $1.2 billion that Congress previously appropriated was expected to pay for only 370 miles of fence at most. Of the Arizona delegation members who responded to queries from The Associated Press, only Republican Sen. Jon Kyl believes that stretch of fencing will be put up along portions of the border in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico or California.
"Unless the Democratic majority should just totally cut back on that - and I don't believe they will - the first chunk is pretty well set," Kyl said.
Shadegg said it's likely that efforts to put up vehicle barriers will continue along parts of the Mexican border, in particular along the remote Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Arizona.
"But I think the funds will not be appropriated for that 700-mile fencing," Shadegg said. "I think there's a belief among Democrats that that was a political maneuver and that that will not accomplish anything."
Former Rep. Jim Kolbe, who co-sponsored a comprehensive immigration reform package three years ago with Rep. Jeff Flake and in the last session with Sen. John McCain, both fellow Arizona Republicans, is similarly skeptical.
"This administration has never shown any real interest and who's going to push for it?" said Kolbe, who just retired after 11 terms. "It's impractical, expensive and will not be effective."
Kolbe's successor, Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, said it's been shown that illegal immigrants will go over, under or right through a fence. "It's a lot smarter to have a high-tech enforcement than thinking that a fence is going to solve the problem," she said.
Nearly all the delegation members who discussed the issues think there's an improved chance that the 110th Congress will pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation - anathema to the previous House.
Flake said there's been a serious focus all along to reach a consensus on comprehensive reform.
"I think everyone realizes that . . . half of the illegal immigrants here didn't sneak across the border, so it's a bigger problem. I hope we can get a more comprehensive solution," Flake said. "There are going to be a number of people insisting that the fence be built."
Shadegg also predicted a serious push for comprehensive reform and said he was a bit disappointed that House Democrats didn't include it among their top priorities scheduled for their first 100 hours of legislative activity.
"But I certainly would hope that it will be a priority . . . and that it will be acted upon as quickly as possible this spring," he said.
