DHS Moves to Create Barriers at California/Mexico Border

According to a recent edition of The Hill, the Department of Homeland Security(DHS) has announced that it has waived environmental and historical preservation laws to speed the improvement of fencing on the California/Mexico border. This means that important federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, will not apply to the repair, reinforcement, or replacement fencing in this area of the country, or the repair of service roads used by U.S. Border Patrol. DHS claims that the eastern half of the California/Mexico border, or the El Centro Border Patrol sector, is a prime area for immigrants to enter the U.S. without the authority to do so. In 2016, DHS reports that U.S. Border Patrol apprehended about 19,000 immigrants present in the country or attempting to enter the country without legal status. DHS also reports the seizure of about 2,600 pounds of marijuana and 126 pounds of cocaine. As a result, the DHS plans to replace the existing 14-foot fence with a new 18-25 foot fence. DHS considers this project to be part of the Trump Administration’s promise to build a border wall on the U.S.-Mexican border. Despite the administration’s campaign promises, Congress has yet to provide funding for a border wall. DHS, however, has gone ahead with creating wall prototypes to be built in the San Diego sector. Some repairs and improvements to existing fencing or other barriers, including these prototypes, already are covered by appropriations within the current budget. While improvements to existing border fencing or the construction of new walls may continue, there are millions of immigrants without legal status already present in the U.S., all of whom are facing potential deportations during this period of unprecedented immigration enforcement. If ICE has detained a loved one, contacting an experienced California immigration attorney as quickly as possible can be essential to securing his or her release and fighting deportation. Taking steps to fix an immigration problem from the outset is often much simpler than waiting until the last minute and attempting to remedy the situation. Call Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., at (510) 756-4468 today, and learn what we can do to help you through this situation.