2006

"I'm pleased that you all are here to witness the signature of the Secure Fence Act of 2006. This bill will help protect the American people. This bill will make our borders more secure. It is an important step toward immigration reform."

"We've deployed thousands of National Guard members to assist the Border Patrol. We've upgraded technology at our borders. We've added infrastructure, including new fencing and vehicle barriers. We're adding thousands of new beds in our detention facilities so we can continue working to end catch and release at our southern border. During the course of my administration we have apprehended and sent home more 6 million people entering our country illegally. And I thank the Border Patrol for their hard work. The Secure Fence Act builds on this progress. The bill authorizes the construction of hundreds of miles of additional fencing along our southern border."

"The Secure Fence Act is part of our efforts to reform our immigration system. We have more to do."

"Today marks another step forward in making America safer and in stemming the tide of illegal immigration. ... The American people demand border security, and this Republican Congress and President are committed to achieving operational control of the border through an enforcement-first approach."

"The bill the president signed today represents the worst in election-year politics, it is an empty gesture for the sole purpose of sending a false message about the security of our nation."