DHS gives final approval to ‘virtual fence’ along US-Mexico border News
DHS gives final approval to ‘virtual fence’ along US-Mexico border

[JURIST] The US government has granted final approval to the first stretch of "virtual fencing" [JURIST report], which will run for 28 miles along the US-Mexico border [GlobalSecurity backgrounder] southwest of Tucson, Arizona, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday at a briefing [transcript] on Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Efforts. The virtual fence, part of the Secure Border Initiative [DHS fact sheet] developed to control illegal immigration and drug smuggling, includes 98-foot unmanned towers equipped with radar, sensors and cameras. Computer software glitches had delayed the testing and use of the fence [AP report] until Boeing, the technology's creator, largely fixed the problems [DHS press release] in early December 2007.

US Attorney General Michael Mukasey spoke at the same press briefing Friday and said that the DOJ and DHS had approved a new rule to increase civil fines against employers who violate federal immigration law [transcript; press release]. The new rule takes effect on March 27. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty extended indefinitely

On May 11, 1995, over 170 signatory nations agreed to extend the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) indefinitely. The NPT is an agreement signed by 189 countries to control the spread of nuclear weapons and nuclear technology based on the principles of disarmament, non-proliferation, and the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The treaty was opened for signature in 1968 with a provision for review conferences every five years. During the 1995 review conference in New York City, member countries decided to keep the treaty open indefinitely. Learn more about the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty from the United Nations.

Massachusetts repealed law banning Christmas

On May 11, 1682, the Massachusetts General Court repealed two laws that had banned the celebration of Christmas and had authorized capital punishment for expelled Quakers returning to the colony. Learn more about the state's ban on Christmas.