New sections of a border wall between the United States and Mexico are currently under construction. With the passing of Senate Bill 2611 (Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act) on May 26, 2006, significant funding has been allocated to seal the portions of the border that see the heaviest flow of the illegal crossing of migrants.

In May, 2006, President Bush announced the stationing of an additional 6,000 National Guard troops along the border. The new barriers and surveillance reduce the number of crossings in urban areas driving many migrants into inhospitable terrain. Using recycled steel...