Homeland Security

DATE=02/09/05

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=US - TERRORISM (L-only)

NUMBER=2-322449

BYLINE=CANDACE WILLIAMS

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=YES

VOICED AT:

Headline: U.S. Makes Progress On Controlling Its Borders

INTRO: A top Department of Homeland Security official says the United States has made great progress as it secures its borders from terrorists and others seeking illegal entry. But Asa Hutchinson said information sharing among countries is also key to national security. Mr. Hutchinson made his remarks in Washington Wednesday as he prepares to lead a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago next week for a two-day hemispheric conference (Feb. 16 - 18) on terrorism. VOA's Candace Williams reports.

TEXT: Asa Hutchinson is Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security at the Homeland Security Department. He told foreign reporters that international cooperation is essential to building effective border security. Mr. Hutchinson said the threat of terrorism is an issue binding Western Hemisphere nations together, and that a vulnerability in one country affects the others. He said it is important to remain one step ahead of terrorists.

//HUTCHINSON ACT #1//

We have made great progress in border security areas, both in biometric technology, document security and international cooperation. What we have to do in the future is to continue to adjust to new tactics of the terrorists. The key element is information sharing, intelligence sharing, and continuing to build international standards of security.

//END ACT//

Mr. Hutchinson acknowledged that activities along the U.S.-Mexico border area are a major concern for the United States. He described the issue of illegal border crossings into the country as a security and humanitarian one, but he said mechanisms are needed to distinguish between undocumented immigrants crossing the border for economic reasons and terrorists. He also warned that illegal immigrants are vulnerable to criminals.

// HUTCHINSON ACT #2 //

Anyone who would consider entering the country illegally exposes themselves to criminal organizations, unscrupulous individuals who prey upon vulnerabilities of those immigrants and so it's not a good idea to try to pursue illegal means to come into our country, any country.

//END ACT//

In an effort to cope with illegal entry from Mexico, President Bush told the U.S. Congress that the United States should change its outdated immigration policy. In his recent State of the Union speech, the president said it is time for a policy that permits temporary guest workers to fill jobs Americans will not take, while rejecting amnesty for those who have broken the law and closing the borders to drug dealers and terrorists.

Mr. Hutchinson says the United States must ensure that efficient border security exists in order to have an effective temporary worker program. But some U.S. lawmakers, including members of the president's own Republican party, say tougher immigration laws are necessary to protect the United States from new terrorist attacks. (Signed)

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