The State of Arizona has set up a fund that will use private donations to build a border wall. Beginning during the second Bush administration and continuing in President Obama’s tenure, the federal government has built more than 600 miles of barriers, some designed to keep out cars and others to block individuals from crossing. The congressionally approved construction effort is winding up, but about 82 miles of Arizona’s 388 miles of border remain without a barrier, federal officials say. [New York Times]
Sen. Chuck Schumer is attempting to revive moribund efforts to pass a comprehensive immigration bill. He will hold a hearing next week focused on the economic argument for an immigration overhaul. The change in emphasis capitalizes on an all-consuming focus in Washington on the economy. President Barack Obama spent several weeks in the spring pushing for immigration reform, including a speech that highlighted the economic benefits, but the issue has been overshadowed by budget negotiations and stalled by a Republican-controlled House. [Politico]