NCJ Number
165919
Date Published
1994
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Border control efforts on the southwestern border were examined with respect to the extent of the treat from drug smuggling and illegal immigration and ways to enhance security between the ports of entry.
Abstract
The analysis revealed that both drug smuggling and illegal immigration both pose a serious threat in this area, the full extent of these problems is unknown. Experts estimate that most of the cocaine and most of the illegal aliens entering the United States enter from Mexico. The flow of drugs continues and illegal immigration is expected to increase over the next decade unless border control efforts become more effective. A 1993 study commissioned by the Office of National Drug Control Policy recommended several ways to enhance security between the ports of entry. Recommended actions included a focus on preventing illegal alien entry instead of on apprehension aliens once they have entered the country, as well as multiple physical barriers in certain areas and added highway checkpoints. Preliminary results from recent prevention initiatives in San Diego, Calif. and El Paso, Tex. are generally encouraging. However, some drug smuggling and illegal immigration seems to have been rerouted to other areas where enforcement is less effective. The Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner has approved a national strategy based on the success in the San Diego and El Paso sectors. Figures, photographs, and footnotes