Bush says border fencing makes sense

By NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writer
AP Photo/PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS

YUMA, Ariz. (AP) -- President Bush said Thursday it makes sense to put up fencing along parts of the U.S.-Mexico border but not to block off the entire 2,000-mile length to keep out illegal immigrants.

During a visit to one of the busiest crossing sectors, Bush did not declare his support for either of two competing proposals in Congress - one approved by the House that would build 700 miles of fencing and one in the Senate that would build half that. Instead, he said the Border Patrol should guide the decisions.

"Right here we're at a place where we're using fencing," Bush told Fox News in an interview with a Border Patrol truck and fencing in the background.

"And it makes sense to use fencing here. It doesn't make sense to use fencing in other parts of the border. And the best people to help us design the program are those who are in charge of enforcing the border."