Enforcement & Borders

Immigration Enforcement in the United States in 2006

In 2006, U.S. immigration enforcement produced 1.2 million apprehensions and 272,389 formal removals.

Government Self-Deportation Program Attracts More Criticism Than Immigrants

A 2008 U.S. voluntary departure pilot drew only six participants out of 457,000 eligible immigrants.

Reports Spur Debate Over Immigrant Detention Conditions

As U.S. immigration detention reached 311,213 people in 2007, a federal watchdog report and proposed legislation exposed gaps in detainee medical care.

Iowa Raid Raises Questions about Stepped-Up Immigration Enforcement

The May 2008 Agriprocessors raid in Iowa, billed as the largest criminal worksite action in U.S. history, charged many workers criminally rather than administratively.

Women Migrants in Detention in Mexico: Conditions and Due Process

In Mexico, 77 percent of detained women migrants received no rights information at apprehension, and new expedited repatriation procedures risk deepening due-process gaps.

Virtual Border Fence Given Mixed Assessment in First Test

The U.S. virtual fence pilot program known as Project 28 had a troubled test run.

Weaknesses in the Visa Waiver Program

Arizona Employer Sanctions Law Takes Effect

Arizona's employer sanctions law took effect January 1, 2008, requiring mandatory E-Verify use.

USCIS Faces Criticism over Visa Backlog

Growing application volumes, added security checks, and resource constraints have led to prolonged U.S. visa processing delays.

Managing Global Travel with Technology and Cooperation

2007 saw border biometric technology expand rapidly—and privacy tensions along with it.