The attacks of 11 September 2001 showed that America has problems with its immigration system. The nineteen hijackers involved in these attacks took advantage of a problematic immigration system to penetrate the U.S. and wreak havoc. The porous border between the U.S. and its neighbors is another means by which terrorists can enter America. This thesis examined the legal permissibility of using federal troops to protect the nation's borders. It explored the growing problem American has with illegal immigration and how that problem is a threat to national security. The only viable solution to the border security problem is an increased presence along the border. The military is a source of manpower to supplement the United States Border Patrol (USBP). Asking federal troops to assist with border security, though, can create problems with the Posse Comitatus Act (PCA). This thesis used a legal methodology to examine this issue. The legal material analyzed in the course of this study showed that, barring a change in the PCA, the most that federal troops can provide is limited.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
