{short description of image}
help-for-you News .PRT19-7Article.html 7
 Note the UTC time and source of information.
. Tuesday, 19 March, 2002

US Considers Plan to Merge 2 Border Agencies

VOA News 
19 Mar 2002
Email this article to a friend.Printer Friendly Version

The team in charge of domestic U.S. security is reported to have discussed plans to merge three federal agencies responsible for border security. 

Senior Bush administration officials say one of several recommendations discussed Tuesday called for consolidating border agencies - including the Customs Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Border Patrol. 

But the officials say no decision has been made. 

The plan is an effort to streamline government operations and improve border defenses after the September terrorist attacks. 

Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress calling for agency consolidation and the creation of a new independent cabinet-level agency to focus on domestic security. 

Administration officials say if the agencies are combined, President Bush wants it to be done under an existing cabinet agency, most likely either the Justice Department or Treasury Department. 

Some information for this report provided by AP.

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version