The news is abuzz with the information that tonight at 8 p.m., U.S. President Bush will announce a plan to send thousands of U.S. National Guard troops to the U.S. Mexico border to assist border patrol agents. This announcement comes on the same day that the Senate is debating again immigration proposals on the floor. Criticism of the move is coming from both Democrats and Republicans, with some saying that National Guard troops are already spread to thin because of the ongoing “War on Terror” , while others see the move as pura politica, a way for Bush to appease hard line Republicans who feel that the President’s current immigration proposal is too soft on illegal immigration with its guest worker option.

Via / Yahoo

It is being emphasized the National Guard will not be used to actually catch and arrest those caught crossing the border, but will act as technical and logistical support for the Border Patrol and help in developing border control infrastructure. Critics claim the move militarizes the border with armed soldiers which could lead to violent confrontations. The number of troops that will be sent to the southern U.S. border has not been announced.