Publication

This report reviews border enforcement efforts in the US since the passing of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act. It also examines the state of border security and considers the lessons that may be learned about enhanced enforcement at US borders. It starts with a history of border control and also reviews the national strategy during the 1990’s. The following sections give accounts of the budget and resources dedicated to border enforcement, data collected on the topic, and secondary and unintended consequences of enforcement. The report concludes by describing the costs and benefits of border enforcement and raises additional questions for the future.