By Manu Raju and Seung Min Kim | POLITICO
Senators plan to introduce a “border surge” plan that would double the number of U.S. Border Patrol agents and ensure that 700 miles of fencing is completed along the southern border, according to an aide familiar with the talks.
The alternative to border security measures in the Gang of Eight’s immigration bill, primarily written by Republican Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and John Hoeven of North Dakota, is expected to be introduced later Thursday. A group of Republicans is expected to sign up as co-sponsors to the package.
Strengthening border security had long been the major impediment to attracting conservative votes, and a compromise that resolves the issue would significantly improve chances for passage of the overall bill. But it also remains to be seen whether the substantial boost in border security will go too far for some Democrats and immigrant-advocacy groups.
