CRS Issue Statement on Border Security

Jennifer E. Lake, Coordinator
Analyst in Domestic Security

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, launched an intense and extended examination of the nation's policies designed to defend against non-state threats to the homeland. Border security is a component of the nation's homeland security strategy. This strategy involves a series of activities that apply a layered approach to securing the homeland by deterring, detecting, and preventing terrorist attacks at the earliest possible stages; protecting or "hardening" critical infrastructure against attacks; and preparing for and responding to attacks. Border security activities include not only those activities that take place at U.S. ports of entry, but also encompass extra-border activities, such as targeting and pre-inspection of U.S.-bound people and cargo in ports around the world; cross-border efforts between ports of entry; and intra-U.S. enforcement activities. 

The overarching border security issue for Congress is how to balance two competing public policy goals: (1) the need to enhance border security with (2) an equally compelling requirement to facilitate legitimate trade and travel. This requires a sophisticated border management system that identifies and intercepts dangerous or unwanted (high-risk) people or goods, while facilitating access for legitimate (low-risk) travelers and commerce without excessive infringement on privacy or civil liberties. Another policy challenge is how to balance competing demands for resources, concentrating them on higher-risk areas while also providing security to lower-risk areas. A variety of legislative and oversight issues flow from this framework.


Date of Report: January 12, 2010
Number of Pages: 4
Order Number:IS40280
Price: $7.95

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