Border Enforcement

The 9/11 Commission Staff Report on Terrorist Travel

Intelligence Reformed and Homeland Security Department Overhauled

The December 2004 Intelligence Reform Act expanded border security and visa rules, as DHS faced leadership changes and Arizona's Proposition 200 drew legal challenges.

The Hague Program Reflects New European Realities

Adopted in November 2004, the EU's Hague Program set a five-year migration and asylum agenda, but left legal immigration and integration largely to individual Member States.

DHS Modifies Border and Visitor Policies

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded expedited removal to border zones, extended Mexican border card stays to 30 days, and delayed biometric passport requirements until October 2005.

9/11 Commission Urges Immigration and Border Reform

The 9/11 Commission's July 2004 report called for integrated border screening, biometric passports for all travelers, and a National Counterterrorism Center.

Evaluating Enhanced U.S. Border Enforcement

Tripling U.S. border enforcement spending since 1993 did not deter significant unauthorized migration, but did have several unintended consequences.

Post-Sept. 11 Security Fears, Policies Seize Spotlight

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued new detention rules and a government commission declared post-September 11 immigration security measures largely ineffective in spring 2004.

The Enlargement of an 'Area of Freedom, Security and Justice': Managing Migration in a European Union of 25 Members

EU enlargement to 25 members tested free movement principles, with transition restrictions and sovereignty disputes complicating a coherent common EU-wide migration policy.

Policy Changes Target Border Security

In spring 2004, the United States’ H-2B visa cap was hit for the first time; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also launched a drone-based Arizona border initiative and issued rules for the U.S.-Canada Safe Third Country Agreement.

Bush Boosts Immigration Enforcement in FY 2005 Budget

President George W. Bush's fiscal year 2005 budget doubled worksite enforcement, while the cap of 65,000 U.S. H-1B visas was hit early.