Bush approves over 1000 km of fence on US-Mexico border

President George W. Bush has signed legislation to build more than 1000 kilometres of fencing along the US-Mexico border, to curb illegal immigration. Republicans hope the legislation will give them a boost in November’s mid-term elections, as they fight Democrats for control of Congress.

Illegal immigration is expected to be an important issue. “Ours is a nation of immigrants. We are also a nation of law, but unfortunately the United States has not been in complete control of its borders for decades and therefore illegal immigration has been on the rise. We have a responsibility to address these challenges. We have a responsibility to reinforce our laws. We have a responsibility to secure our borders,” the US President said. Democrats have called the legislation a political stunt. The Mexican government opposes the fence. Former President Vicente Fox has called it “shameful”.

Copyright © 2012 euronews