Tucson, Ariz. (AHN) - Two months after Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff approved the installation of a $20 million virtual fence on the border of Arizona and Mexico, the fence program was scrapped Tuesday. The reason behind its scrapping was the system's failure to properly alert border patrol agents of illegal border crossers.

Backroom shenanigans in Congress gutted the Secure Fence Act all but nullifying construction of a double-layered fence along our Southern border. Construction of this fence would have been the first REAL step toward true immigration reform. Instead, DHS is racing to build their version of a border fence #- not the promised double-layered variety that was signed into law, but rather a cheap, ineffective substitute that includes chain-link, picket, and virtual fencing #- the latter of which has already proven to be hopelessly insufficient.

The time is now to take a stand as taxpaying citizens of our nation who are demanding secured borders. I am urging you to join with other elected leaders who are supporting a vital piece of legislation H.R. 4987, The Fence by Date Certain Act-leading to the construction of a 700 mile double-layered fence that enhances our national security and provides the first step in comprehensive immigration reform.

This is precisely the fence that was promised to the American people before certain elected officials gutted the bill-allowing the DHS to construct substandard fencing and barriers that outrageously include chain-link and picket!

Make no mistake, our nation is under attack. Illegal immigration is a very real and dangerous threat to the United States economy, American jobs, and the safety and well-being of the American people. A permanent solution is necessary, and construction of a double-layered fence would be an important first step in accomplishing that task.

This is not a Democratic or a Republican issue rather it is an American issue. The American borders are falling apart and it is time to protect them. I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 4987, The Fence by Date Certain Act. Go to grassfire.org to give your support.

Danny Penird Sr.

Union Springs