Immigration enforcement deterring illegal entry

Houston Chronicle:

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday that a recent plunge in detentions of illegal migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border indicates that increased enforcement is having an impact.

"We're comfortable that this actually reflects a change in momentum" of illegal immigration to the United States, Chertoff said after a series of meetings with Mexican security officials to discuss immigration, narcotics enforcement and other matters. "It doesn't mean we can declare victory."

Figures released late last month by U.S. officials showed a 23 percent drop in border apprehensions in the three months since November compared with a year earlier. While lower apprehensions can have a number of causes, Chertoff and other officials said it shows that fewer people are trying to slip across the border illegally.

"In each quarter we see a decrease in apprehensions compared to the prior year," Chertoff said. "Deterrents work, provided that you're consistent."

Toughened border enforcement is a necessary condition for the U.S. public to accept an immigration overhaul package pushed by President Bush that would allow Mexican guest workers, Chertoff said. A tougher-to-breach border, coupled with a guest worker program, would allow the Border Patrol to concentrate on security threats, he said.

The so-called "border wall," which would entail 700 miles of fencing, enchanced radar, sensors and other measures, will be part of that enforcement effort, Chertoff said.

He also praised Mexico's efforts against U.S.-bound migrants from Central America. He said renewed efforts to stop potential migrants from crossing Mexico has had an impact.

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President Calderon's crackdown on the narco terrorist is also having an effect. Calderon is off to the best start in history for a Mexican President. It should also be noted that demonstrating consequences to illegal entry will have a dramatic deterrent effect. Enforcement operations at places of employment will also have an effect, plus it will cause substantial self deportation making the enforcement job that much more effective.