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U.S. Considers Troops on Southern Borders

Trying to build up momentum for an overhaul of the nation`s immigration laws, President George W. Bush is considering plans to send National Guard troops to help shore up the Mexican border. Depending on the final plan, some military leaders believe that the number of troops required could range from 3,500 to 10,000. The president is expected to reveal his final plans in an address to the nation from the Oval Office on Monday, May 15 at 8pm Eastern.

Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas said, "People are just not going to accept comprehensive immigration reform unless they are assured the government is going to secure the border. People have lost confidence in the federal government because they simply haven`t addressed this in a dramatic and effective way."

Cornyn also stated that state officials are looking for more unmanned aircraft, ground sensors, surveillance cameras and military training to help with border patrols. In a gesture intended to underscore the importance that the president places on immigration, President Bush will make his address from the Oval Office. The announcement comes after several weeks of pro- and anti-illegal immigration rallies held across the length and breadth of the U.S.