On September 22, 2006, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to build a "virtual fence" along the borders with Canada and Mexico for controlling illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The project was to be carried out by Boeing Corporation, which was awarded a $67 million contract to begin construction of the "fence," which was to consist of cameras, sensors and drones. The project faced many delays, and the first phase of the project was not expected to be completed until three years after original estimations. On April 23, 2008, however, DHS announced that it would be discontinuing the project after already spending $1 billion, describing it as ineffective and costly.

Read an overview of US Immigration Law in Features.

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