How the Border Bill Would ‘Shut Down’ Illegal Crossings.

The Border Bill, also known as the Secure Fence Act of 2006, aims to "shut down" illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border by constructing over seven hundred miles of fencing and other physical barriers. The bill also includes provisions for increased surveillance, such as the deployment of cameras and sensors, as well as additional border patrol agents to monitor the border more effectively. The bill's proponents argue that these measures will deter would‐be border crossers, reduce the number of undocumented immigrants entering the country, and help prevent the flow of drugs, weapons, and other contraband across the border as well as human trafficking activities that are often linked to such crossings by criminal organizations. Critics of the bill, however, argue that the fencing and other barriers will be too costly, will not be effective in stopping determined border crossers, and will have negative environmental and social impacts on the border region.