Borders // Current

Borders bookstores close to closing shop

Borders, the nation's second-largest bookseller, said Thursday it may put itself up for sale and that it has lined up $42.5... more

dmambo5
added this

New Fence Will Split a Border Park

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. — At a time of tumult over immigration, with illegal workers routed from businesses, record levels of... more

lukewarmenthusiasm
added this

Immigrant Nation

This show takes an in depth look at illegal immigration and the power of the (legal) Latino vote in the 2008 election. In this... more

CJCollectiveWorks
added this

200,000 ID documents in the UK may be false

There could be as many as 200,000 fraudulent identity documents (driving licences and passports) in circulation in the UK,... more

JanaPokana
added this

Lampedusa, Italia. La Frontiera

Da Gennaio ad Agosto 2008 a Lampedusa sono sbarcati 18mila migranti, molti altri non ce l’hanno fatta. Anche se non è... more

lorenzo_galeazzi
added this

Suspects in border tunnel charged, Mexico officials say

The eight men arrested in the house where the sophisticated tunnel began include a suspected L.A.-area gang member.[more]

Enjoy_Cannabis
added this

The REAL American Dream

Illegal Immigration. What is it? The term wasn't necessarily heard of before this century, or at least it wasn't... more

alexi_parker
added this

Canadian privacy and security experts assail US laptop seizure policy

Traveling between the United States and Canada this year? Your laptop, iPod, mobile phone, USB drive, books, videos, and other... more

kinolina
added this

Legal crosser of US border tracked for 15 years

The federal government has been using its system of border checkpoints to greatly expand a database on travelers entering the country by collecting information on U.S. citizens crossing by land, compiling data that will be stored for 15 years and may be used in criminal and intelligence investigations.
Officials say the Border Crossing Information system, disclosed late last month by the Department of Homeland Security in a Federal Register notice, is part of a broader effort to guard against terrorist threats. It also reflects the growing number of government systems containing personal information on Americans that can be shared for a broad range of law enforcement and intelligence purposes, some of which are exempt from Privacy Act protections.
While international air passenger data has long been captured this way, Customs and Border Protection agents only this year began to log the arrivals of all U.S. citizens across land borders, through which about three-quarters of border crossings occur.
The volume of people entering the country by land had prevented compiling such a database until recently. But the advent of machine-readable identification documents, which the government now mandates for everyone crossing the border, has made gathering the information more feasible. By June, all travelers crossing land borders will need to present a machine-readable document.
In January, border agents began manually entering into the database the personal information of travelers who did not have such documents.
The disclosure of the database is among a series of notices, officials say, to make Homeland Security's data gathering more transparent. Critics say the moves exemplify efforts by the Bush administration in its final months to cement an unprecedented expansion of data gathering for national security and intelligence purposes.
The data could be used beyond determining whether a person may enter the United States. For instance, information may be shared with foreign agencies when relevant to their hiring or contracting decisions.
Public comments are being taken until Monday, when the database is scheduled to take effect.
"People expect to be checked when they enter the country and for the government to determine if they're admissible or not," said Greg Nojeim, senior counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology. "What they don't expect is for the government to keep a record for 15 years of their comings into the country."
But DHS spokesman Russ Knocke said the retention period is justified.
"History has shown, whether you are talking about criminal or terrorist activity, that plotting, planning or even relationships among conspirators can go on for years," he said. "Basic travel records can, quite literally, help frontline officers to connect the dots."
The government states in its notice that the system was authorized by post-Sept. 11 laws, including the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002, the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
The federal government has been using its system of border checkpoints to greatly expand a database on travelers entering the... more

ivxx
added this

0 responses

3 months ago

Construction begins on $57M San Diego border fence

Scrapers and bulldozers began filling a deep canyon Friday to make way for a border fence in the southwestern corner of the United States after 12 years of planning, environmental reviews and legal challenges.

The 3 1/2-mile stretch extends from a state park on an oceanfront cliff through a canyon known as Smuggler's Gulch. The gorge was overrun by illegal immigrants until U.S. authorities launched a crackdown in the 1990s that pushed traffic to the remote mountains and deserts of California and Arizona.

At a cost of about $16 million a mile, the fence will be far more expensive than fences the U.S. government is building elsewhere along the nation's 1,952-mile border with Mexico. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the average cost along the entire border is $2 million to $3 million a mile.

The stretch near San Diego will cost about $57 million under a contract awarded to Kiewit Corp. of Omaha, Neb., said James Swanson, a Border Patrol special operations supervisor.

The lion's share will pay for filling Smuggler's Gulch with nearly 1.9 million tons of dirt and for building a concrete culvert to handle rainfall flowing downhill from Tijuana, Mexico, Swanson said.

The border is currently marked by a decaying fence made of surplus Navy landing mats. Border Patrol agents swarm the area in jeeps and pickups as they wait for migrants in Tijuana to dash about 2 miles through trees to the closest patch of stores and homes.

It is a far cry from the early 1990s, when large groups blitzed across the border and easily overwhelmed the Border Patrol.

U.S. authorities insist new fencing is needed, despite an increase in patrols and objections from environmental groups who say the dirt shift threatens the Tijuana River estuary, home to more than 370 migratory and native birds.

"We're not seeing the thousands, the hundreds who streamed through in the past," said Mike Fisher, chief of the Border Patrol's San Diego sector. "However, it's still a vulnerability that's being exploited today."Scrapers and bulldozers began filling a deep canyon Friday to make way for a border fence in the southwestern corner of the United... more

TravG73
added this

0 responses

3 months ago

Colonial borders. Does Africa have a choice?

The lines of Europe’s carve up of Africa were finally taking shape. On March 11, 1913, Britain and Germany agreed who got... more

GrandKnow2
added this

0 responses

3 months ago

US agents have power to seize your laptop

U.S. federal agents have been given the power to seize travelers' laptops and other electronic devices at the border in a bid... more

JanaPokana
added this

1 response

4 months ago

Wisconsin Pod #5 :) "The Vital Obligation of Our Times."

This is Voice of The Revolution. Now one might ask, who are we to interfere with the workings of politics, and just for a moment one might agree. if for that moment we have forgotten what is truly at stake --just the future of this place that we call home. And when we comprehend the vast scale of change that is needed, and the very brief timeframe in which it must occur, and that OUR failure to do it means an endless and irreversible struggle for our descendents, and into this equation comes the realization that government, education, the media and even religion have all chosen to turn AWAY from reforms that can actually address all these bad things that we see overtaking America. Through these factors we are led directly to the comprehension that a reordering of our political society is the vital obligation of our times.

Let me leave you with this final thought; In 1776, the idea of "liberty", that we could govern ourselves was only theoretical. Today the idea that we can save ourselves has also become only theoretical.

To me, in my own heart and my own mind the future of America will be DECIDED by science, and by logic and by patriotism and finally, by LOVE for those American who must inherit what we leave behind. It's time to do what the founding fathers did --not what today's politicians do.

A single generation of transformation under our control can prevent a thousand years of ruin. I invite you to be part of that generation of transformation, no more dead zone, no more sitting inside the house --watching the world end.

I don't merely exist in your conscience. I'm right here in your city. Until next time dream big. Think boldly. Let us meet again soon. My name is Darrel Hudson and THIS --is Voice of The Revolution~!

Featuring four notorious TV Commercials "of the revolution!"
(COMMERCIAL 1) "All Bottle up inside? Know the true enemy... SLS and RTA"
(COMMERCIAL 2) "This is forever, for everyone, who will ever be born on this Earth. Welcome to the revolution"
(COMMERCIAL 3) "The politicians and corporations who are crippling us today, don't even have to know one another to conspire to destroy the future. They only need you and I to continue to make excuses for them. The Revolution asks YOU to help build a government worth saving. Support the Separation of Lobbyist and State. It's time to create an economy in step with our times.
Common Sense asks you to Support the Revenue Tap Act. Protect the future from corporations who would use lawyers to destroy it. Support The Litigation Shield Act. Turn a Crisis in America Into a Renaissance in the Developing World. Support The Export Freedom Initiatives. Ensure the next generation can hear YOUR voice. Demand The National Language Act. Help rebuild the pieces of our shattered moral compass. It probably upsets you nearly every day. Demand The Media Restoration Act. Saving the future of our world will be EXPENSIVE. Help cover the costs with The Revenue Tap Act. --THE MILLENNIUM MANDATE. Create a future worth saving"
(COMMERCIAL 4) "All those slogans. 'Peace on Earth.' 'Feed The Poor.' 'Care For The Planet." Suddenly they're taking on a whole new meaning. And all that talk about 'the revolution', what's that all about? Well... Think about your great-grandchildren. Are their lives worth 38 minutes of your time? Yes? Come and attend the MISSION: Global Survival Public Awareness Campaign. If you haven't already be sure to attend a live script reading with vivid multimedia presentation. Just call for dates and times. --Those 38 minutes will be time well spent. And... your great-grandchildren will thank you."
This is Voice of The Revolution. Now one might ask, who are we to interfere with the workings of politics, and just for a moment... more

paradigmshift
added this

0 responses

4 months ago

Wisconsin Pod #4 :) "The Un-Declared State of Emergency."

This is Voice of The Revolution. Thank you for joining me. We, all of us, Wisconsin, America, the world are facing a global and national upheaval and our media won't talk about it and our politicians have no plan of action. Perhaps this is a contributor to why 30 percent of Americans find themselves unable to sleep through the night. It is now anticipated that 40 percent of you will be under the care of a doctor for depression or anxiety.

The high hopes we placed on the internet as some sort of tool to change the world have gone unrealized. All those hours spent on line have have had NO observable or measurable EFFECT on revitalizing Wisconsin's ABSENT self-rule.

The openly acknowledged "brain-drain" occurring in Wisconsin should be treated like a state of emergency because what is left behind is NEED-LESS-LY diminished. And this causes a MORAL disaster. Because when your most ambitious, and creative, and inspired individuals move out of your state at the first opportunity the effect is draining. Especially on the children. Because Instead of having the stimulation of unconventional and inspired conjecture all around them, the young people INSTEAD face an ocean of corporate advertisers more than happy to fill the void.

For the first time in our nations history, the media and schools have decided to simply ignore the reality of our times. I am telling this to you to INFORM the NICE people with whom I now live, that there is a time to be nice and a time to be tough. Our history, and our citizenship and our love for our children makes it so. A fresh objective look at the state of the planet and the state of this nation connects us with the reality that we have to get TOUGH with the government that we have allowed to run amok.

Featuring four notorious TV Commercials "of the revolution!"
(COMMERCIAL 1) "Three Steps to Environmental Survival. Three Steps to Restoring America. A Leadership Organization in Three Parts. Common Sense of America. Custom Built to Save The Future"
(COMMERCIAL 2) "Figured it out yet? Unless you're prepared to GIVE your kids a better life, they're probably NOT going to have one. Don't be political Be Revolutionary. You get more."
(COMMERCIAL 3) "How do you erase the Honor and Virtue from a whole generation of Americans? It's simple.(up) Just fake those things to sell products. Support~ The Media Restoration Act ~ "
(COMMERCIAL 4) "So what's it going to be ... a new renaissance. or new dark age ...choice is yours"
This is Voice of The Revolution. Thank you for joining me. We, all of us, Wisconsin, America, the world are facing a global and... more

paradigmshift
added this

0 responses

4 months ago

Wisconsin Pod #3 :) "An Island of Justice, in An Ocean of Lies."

This is Voice of The Revolution. This is not about race, and it is not even about immigration believe it or not. America is on the receiving end of a criminal insurgency, and it will soon hit Wisconsin like a sledge hammer. As it has every state from California to Florida and every medium and large city in America. As it did my home town of Los Angeles. Did you know that L.A. has equalized with Calcutta India in "economic disparity"? Did you know that Southern California is now officially categorized as a THIRD WORLD REGION? And REMEMBER my promise to say only what can be proved scientifically. (COMMERCIAL 2)

And that trend or illegal resettlement is expanding at breathtaking speed. And we sit here defenseless. I can tell you from experience, as an eye witness when it hits this city the warmth, and friendliness, and generosity, and courtesy will vanish.

we have CHOSEN to be peasants, and in that choice we leave our children powerless against ANOTHER social catastrophe that is hard to fathom, if you have not lived outside of Wisconsin. There is a new wave of racism in America that is directed against Caucasian peoples and is thriving. It is empowered in your children's classroom, and justified in the media. (COMMERCIAL 3)

If you don't believe these things just go visit L.A. It's a heartbreaking realization and it causes questions to swirl in the mind about how this "disappearance of our citizenship" could even happen in the first place. And that's a fairly simple equation. It's about influence. Who... is influencing our kids? Other than parents and grandparents?

Featuring four notorious TV Commercials "of the revolution!"
(COMMERCIAL 1) "STOLEN UN-FAIR AND SQUARE! From a free-thinking, racial composite, speaking a single language --to a racism-obsessed, financially crunched fractured society speaking upwards of 160 NEW languages. All in just 30 short years. Your nation is slipping away. Take her back! Support the The Export Freedom Initiatives. Introducing: The Export Freedom Administration. The richest government department next to the Pentagon. And every penny is reserved for YOU"
(COMMERCIAL 2) "Your Taxes Pay for Your Political Government. Your Political Government is Knowingly Neglecting Your Borders. Therefore... Your Taxes Are Paying for The Illegal Resettlement of Your Nation. The Awakening... When your OWN government supports national re-colonization it's time to re-colonize your government. Introducing: The Export Freedom Administration. The richest government department next to the Pentagon. And every penny is reserved for YOU."
(COMMERCIAL 3) "Every Day: 10,000 NEW Illegal Aliens. Every Day: 2400 NEW Acres of URBAN SPRAWL. If we must have it,
we should at least have it in Our own language? Support the The National Language Act."
(COMMERCIAL 4) "As it now stands this is our gift to the future (ravaged planet shown) Saving planet earth is not a speech, Saving planet earth is not a piece of legislation. Saving planet earth is not slogans, special light bulbs or electric cars. Saving planet earth is a revolution." This is Voice of The Revolution. This is not about race, and it is not even about immigration believe it or not. America is on the... more

paradigmshift
added this

0 responses

4 months ago

Wisconsin Pod #1 :) "Not only for one generation, but for ALL generations!"

This is Voice of The Revolution. Chances are by the time you arrived on this earth the oceans were already damaged, the food... more

paradigmshift
added this

0 responses

4 months ago

Will we treat this hurricane right this time around?

It's very, very unlikely that this will turn into another Hurricane Katrina, but will the US Government ever learn its... more

KateLove
added this

23 responses

4 months ago

Price of Admission for Migrant Women

Along the border, sexual assault has become routine.

The darkness lifts, and daybreak nudges into the desert. For northbound migrants, this sunrise may signal a time to find shade and dodge the Border Patrol. Or it could mark the start of a white-knuckle dash to catch rides bound for the interior. From there, god willing, the migrants may disappear into a world offering more hope than the one they left behind.

But for other border-crossers, daybreak brings only the flat hardness of reality - a time for noting what's already been lost in the desperate trek north. For women in particular, that loss can be brutal, because even if they reach some safe house in Tucson or Phoenix or points afar, some of them certainly don't arrive whole. According to experts, rape is now considered "the price of admission" for women crossing the border illegally.

But this scourge goes largely ignored, and is suspected to be vastly underreported. Not surprisingly, few women care to describe their ordeals to authorities in stark government detention facilities. And if they do, it's often as they're already being deported back across the border - sometimes back into the very situations where the assaults occurred.

This grim scenario played out in early May, when three women - ages 16, 17 and 20 - reported having been raped by masked men. A few days later, two more women were found alive but badly beaten near Arivaca, south of Tucson. That same week, yet two more women reported having been raped. The reports didn't slow deportation proceedings against them.

Further complicating matters, it's often difficult to determine whether the assaults occurred on U.S. soil or in Mexico. But such details probably matter little to the victims. Civilian border-watchers tell of hearing these women's cries.

"I thought the wailings we heard at night were the coyotes barking at the moon," one volunteer told The Washington Times. "I didn't know until later that those sounds were the cries of women being raped in the Mexican desert, some less than 100 yards away from the border. There was absolutely nothing anyone could do about it."

The rapists are known to hang women's bras and panties from tree limbs as trophies.

Beyond such haunting anecdotes, hard numbers are tough to come by. According to the United Nations, up to 70 percent of women crossing the border without husbands or families are abused in some way. But the flood of stories leads humanitarian aid workers such as Michelle Brané to consider these crimes even more pervasive. Brané directs detention and asylum programs with the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, based in Washington, D.C.

"Nonprofit groups and even the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement - which has custody of unaccompanied children - estimate that the vast majority of women and female children encounter some sort of sexual assault en route to the United States," she says. "It's become the norm, and in many cases with female children, they just assume that there's been some sort of incident."

In this situation, survival often requires extreme steps, she says. "A lot of times, women, because they know what's coming, will align themselves with one man in the group" of smugglers or coyotes. "Whether you consider that assault or not, I guess it's a blurry line."

This speaks to the fact that women are routinely assaulted by the very smugglers they've paid to bring them across. Immigrants have told of preparing for the inevitable by taking birth-control pills before attempting to cross the border, says Dr. Sylvanna Falcón, an assistant professor of sociology at Connecticut College, in New London, Conn. Falcón has conducted extensive research into rapes and other human-rights abuses along the U.S.-Mexico border.

---Article continues, click link to read---Along the border, sexual assault has become routine. The darkness lifts, and daybreak nudges into the desert. For... more