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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2002

President Bush on Thursday announced plans to speed up processing of goods and people at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The 22-point initiative is aimed at ensuring legitimate movement between the two countries. But Bush said the changes won't make it easier for terrorists and human smugglers to enter the United States.

The proposal doesn't appear to immediately address concerns of the Tohono O'odham Nation, whose members and lands span the border. Tribal officials complain their Mexican-born members are harassed despite policy aimed at ensuring free access.

Bush's plan increases the use of "smart passes" to speed border entry but many tribal members lack paper documentation. The tribe is pushing a bill to extend American citizenship to all members.

Get the Story:
Bush Unveils Plan For Mexican Border (The Washington Post 3/22)
White House Announces Security Pact With Mexico (The New York Times 3/22)
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Related Documents:
Bush Speech | Border Policy Highlights Border Policy

Get the Bill:
To clarify the citizenship eligibility for certain members of the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona, and for other purposes (H.R.1502)

Related Stories:
Tribal members fear border harassment (11/26)
Tough border policy rejects Mexicans (10/2)
Machines not ready for tough border policy (10/1)
Border policy could affect Tohono O'odham (9/27)
Tohono O'odham elder dies (8/29)
O'odham citizenship bill pushed (6/29)
O'odham delegation on way to D.C. (5/31)
Tribe protests border policies (5/29)
Citizenship for Mexican O'odham sought (1/12)