Protecting the Border

By Duncan Hunter

Congressman Hunter believes in maintaining a strong international border which increases America's national security and makes our border communities safer.

Since our inception, the United States has welcomed people from all over the world seeking better opportunities for themselves and their family. Congressman Hunter believes this spirit is what makes America great, and to preserve these principles, he opposes rewarding illegal immigrants who break our nation's law with state-issued drivers' licenses or amnesty. Providing these types of benefits undermines our immigration laws, makes the job of our Border Patrol and U.S. Customs agents that much more difficult, and is disrespectful to the millions of individuals who immigrated into the U.S. legally.

Congressman Hunter has introduced legislation authorizing the hiring of thousands of additional Border Patrol agents, voted for increased funding for improved facilities and vehicles, and supported continued construction of fence, road and lighting projects on the border like the "Double Fence Pilot Project", which runs from the Pacific Ocean to Otay Mesa. This fence has proven extremely effective against illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the U.S., as well as eliminating the rapes and murders that used to take place in this area. Most recently, Congressman Hunter co-sponsored and supported the passage of the Secure Fence Act. H.R. 6061 requires that border security fencing be erected in several specific locations along America's land border with Mexico. Projects like the Double Fence have served as an example to other border regions of what can be accomplished when border enforcement is provided with the resources it needs and how communities can be made safer on both sides of the border.