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Politicians know there isnt an easy solution to illegal immigration. They know massive deportation is unrealistic, but they also know that acknowledging this can be hazardous to their careers. The word amnesty makes them weak in theknees.

In 2007, President George W. Bush pushed for immigration reform that included a path to citizenship, and it went nowhere. So whats the alternative? For many politicians, the solution to their problem is to set a standard for border security thats impossible to achieve, so they dont have to confront the thornier issues of what do to next

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Politicians know there isnt an easy solution to illegal immigration. They know massive deportation is unrealistic, but they also know that acknowledging this can be hazardous to their careers. The word amnesty makes them weak in theknees.

In 2007, President George W. Bush pushed for immigration reform that included a path to citizenship, and it went nowhere. So whats the alternative? For many politicians, the solution to their problem is to set a standard for border security thats impossible to achieve, so they dont have to confront the thornier issues of what do to next. So Bushs plan was met with a loud chorus of: Secure the bordersfirst.

Six years later, the Senate passed an immigration reform bill that pays a great deal of attention to that mantra. The 12-year journey to citizenship cannot begin until security measures are in place. Sixty-eight senators, including 14 Republicans, voted for the bill. According to a summary put together by the Immigration Policy Center, Senate Bill 744would:

Deploy 38,405 full-time Border Patrol agents along the southern border twice the number currently in place. Build at least 700 miles of fencing, including double fencing in some places. Install electronic exit systems at all ports where customs and border protection agents are deployed. Build more Border Patrol stations and operating bases outfitted with camera systems, mobile surveillance systems, ground sensors, fiber-optic tank inspection scopes, portable contraband detectors, radiation isotope identification devices, mobile automated targeting systems, unmanned aircraft, helicopters and marinevessels.

The bill would also mandate 24-hour surveillance of the border, and hire more prosecutors, judges and staff to speed deportation proceedings. It would close 90 percent of the cases of immigrants who have overstayed theirvisas.

The total cost would be $46.3 billion, most of which will be spent on supersized security. Its more than the entire 2015 Homeland Security budget. Its a ridiculous sum, but it was offered in response to the border security cry. And it lured Republicanvotes.

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Smart Bombs: Wheres the path to an immigration solution? - Sun, 07 Dec 2014 PST