[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 24005]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       TIGHTENING BORDER CONTROL

  (Mr. GRAVES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, we have taken many good steps since 
September 11 toward protecting our country. As our focus returns to the 
domestic issues, let us not overlook one critical piece missing from 
our Nation's security plan, tightening border control.
  Each day, countless travelers freely cross our borders without 
proving their right to be in our country. Our ability to screen these 
people, even when this is an option, is severely compromised and must 
be addressed by bolstering the technology and intelligence capabilities 
at our ports of entry.
  I, along with some of my colleagues, have introduced the Enhanced 
Border Security Act to strengthen our border security and monitor 
foreign nationals, particularly those on student visas visiting our 
country.
  Our legislation would allow government law enforcement and 
intelligence agencies to share background information through a shared 
database. Additionally, this legislation will track foreign students 
receiving visas from educational institutions to ensure they are 
accounted for upon their arrival, during their study, and when their 
visa expires.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this comprehensive 
legislation that will help ensure the safety of our Nation.

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