Arizona Border Fence Plan Stalls After 3 Years: Is Project Dead Without Funding From Immigration Reform?

Arizona's border fence project may have stalled - permanently. According to USA Today, the private donations expected to fund the 375-mile-long fence dried up after only a fraction of the necessary funds were received, leaving the project well short of its $2.8 million goal for the first mile of fencing. The 15-foot fence was supposed to extend across the state's border with Mexico. The plan was championed by Rep. Steve Smith, who's initial proposal included a $50 million plan to erect fences along the busiest crossing areas. The project has only received $264,000 for the project.

Arizona's border fence was proposed during the state's lengthy battle against illegal immigration. Arizona's Legislature's border security committee has not released any information regarding a new plan. It has also postponed a meeting to decide what to do with the funds it has actually received. Less than $14,000 has been donated in the last 11 months. Representative Smith said he hopes to still use the money to enhance border security. "I think all options are on the table," Smith said. "I think people would be really surprised what we can do with a little bit of funds."

Arizona's immigration battle has left former state Senate President Russell Pearce out of a job after a recall. The backlash has left the GOP with little desire fro further immigration reform after recent legislature attempts were met with fierce opposition by the state's large hispanic population.