The U.S. border with Mexico is expected to be strengthened as a high-tech "virtual fence" is ready for service, a government official said on Friday.
According to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the so-called Project 28 "virtual fence," which was supposed to be completed in mid-2007, was delayed to February, 2008, because of software problems and criticism by Congress.
He told a seminar on illegal immigration that the technology of sensor towers and advanced mobile communications applied on the 20-million-US-dollar project can fight illegal crossings all along the frontier.
"I have personally witnessed the value of this system, and I have spoken directly to the Border Patrol agents ... who have seen it produce actual results, in terms of identifying and allowing the apprehension of people who were illegally smuggling across the border," he said.
Earlier this month, U.S. President George W. Bush requested from Congress for 775 million dollars on more fencing along the southern border with high-tech surveillance equipment.
Apart from the "virtual fence", higher fines would be imposed on employers who hire illegal immigrants as a part of the anti-illegal immigration efforts, Chertoff added.
The new maximum fine for multiple violations will rise to 16,000 dollars per illegal hire, from 11,000 dollars currently, according to the Justice Department officials.
Source: Xinhua
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