Border Security

Bush to Unveil Border Guard Boost
Mexico is concerned about troop build-up along the border The US president is due to reveal plans to send thousands of National Guard troops to boost Mexican border patrols in a bid to curb illegal immigration. George W Bush will unveil the proposals in a TV speech at 2000 (0000 GMT). There are an estimated 11.5 million illegal immigrants in the US, about half of them of Mexican origin. Observers say Mr Bush hopes being tough on future illegal immigration could help to win Republican backing to give an amnesty to those already on US soil. See a map showing US border security plans Mexican President Vicente Fox has voiced concern over the plans, but the White House has denied it amounts to militarisation along the 2,000-mile (3,219km) border. The immigration issue has sparked fierce debate in the US and is high on the agenda as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress in November's mid-term elections. Temporary support Mr Bush's live address will discuss how the US should deal with border security and what should happen to the millions of illegal immigrants already in the country. US ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS About 11.5m illegal immigrants in the US Four out of 10 have been in US five years or less 75% were born in Latin America Most enter via southern US border California, Texas and Florida host most illegal immigrants Many work in agriculture, transport and construction Guide: Facts and figures Send us your comments Under his proposal, the National Guard would act as temporary support for existing patrols, White House officials said. Civilian patrol agents would maintain primary responsibility for guarding the border, while National Guard soldiers would help in areas such as construction, surveillance and transportation, they said. Officials did not reveal how long it would take to boost the border patrol to the point where National Guard troops would no longer be needed, nor the nature of funding for the operation. In his 20-minute speech, Mr Bush is also expected to mention the need for immigrants to learn English and assimilate into American culture if they are to become citizens. Before the deployment plan was announced, some Republicans defended the proposal, while others from both major parties questioned whether such a move would overstretch the US military. The speech comes as Congress considers plans to reform immigration laws. Last week the House of Representatives backed an amendment to another bill allowing the military to be used for border issues. A bill passed last year by the House includes provisions to make illegal immigration a felony and to bolster border security. However a Senate bill, currently stalled, would allow illegal immigrants to apply for citizenship and set up a guest worker programme, which is favoured by Mr Bush. Click here to return E-mail this to a friend Printable version		US IMMIGRATION DEBATE KEY STORIES Mexico alarm at Bush border plan US immigration bill impasse eases Immigrants stage boycott day Mexico in migrant solidarity show Mexico slams Georgia migrant law FEATURES AND ANALYSIS Illegal minority Facts and figures on unauthorised migrants in the US Key players 'Melting pot' America Immigrants spark growth debate Q&A: US immigration Photo journal: Tomato picker HAVE YOUR SAY Your views on immigration RELATED INTERNET LINKS: White House Mexican presidency (in Spanish) The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites TOP AMERICAS STORIES NOW Gang violence grips Brazil state US to renew full ties with Libya Bush to unveil border guard boost US bans arms sales to Venezuela | What is RSS?