The Associated Press reports that President Bush will be signing the border fence bill. Of course the AP also disapproves and does its level best to Pooh-Pooh it. But it is finally going to get signed.
WASHINGTON – When President Bush signs a bill authorizing 700 miles of new fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border, he'll give GOP candidates a pre-election platform for asserting they're tough on illegal immigration. Yet the centerpiece of his immigration policy, a guest worker program, remains stalled in Congress.
And a handful of House Republican are at the brakes, blocking negotiations with the Senate for a bill that includes the president's proposal.
Still, Bush argues that it would be easier to get his guest worker program passed if Republicans keep their majorities in the House and Senate after the Nov. 7 elections. His proposal would allow legal employment for foreigners and give some of the estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States a shot at becoming American citizens.
The measure Bush is putting into law Thursday before heading for campaign stops in Iowa and Michigan offers no money for the fence project covering one-third of the 2,100-mile border.
Its cost is not known, although a homeland security spending measure the president signed earlier this month makes a $1.2 billion down payment on the project. The money also can be used for access roads, vehicle barriers, lighting, high-tech equipment and other tools to secure the border.
It is not perfect by a long shot, but it at least is a start. It is certainly better than that execrable monstrosity the Senate passed. Good on the people blocking that disaster from taking effect.
UPDATE: And the bill has been signed.
I grew up less than 35 miles from the border, in southern New Mexico. Why on earth do people think this fence is a bad idea? It is certainly a step in the right direction.