Bill somewhat funded by raising fees on companies employing foreign workers in US.
The American Flag flies along the international border in Nogales, Ariz.The House of Representative approved emergency funding on Tuesday to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. The border-securing bill comes in at about $600 million.
The measure was passed by a voice vote and will now go to the Senate for final approval. If it is approved there, it will go to President Obama to be signed into law.
The bill will fund around 1,500 new law enforcement agents, aerial vehicles and operating bases. About $14 million will be spent on new communications equipment as well, according to CNN.
Both Democrats and Republicans alike are supporting the measure.
“Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano praised the plan last week, saying it would add important, permanent resources to continue bolstering security on our Southwest border,” CNN reports.
"The House bill would mostly be paid for by hiking fees on foreign companies that use U.S. visa programs to import lower-cost labor from countries like India. Firms with more than 50 employees and more than 50 percent of their employees on H-1B work visas would be affected," Politico reports.
Stricter border security is an issue that both parties are agreeing upon during a passionate election season. However, how to approach and solve the problem remains a heated debate.
What do you think should be done to protect our borders? Leave your comments below.