Section 110 of IIRIRA requires the INS to implement an automated entry and exit control system at the US borders by September 30, 1998.  This means that every non-US citizen will have to check in with the INS when they enter the US and check out when they leave.  Both the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and two Texas Congressmen, Representatives Henry Bonilla (R-San Antonio) and Ciro Rodriguez (D-San Antonio) oppose Section 110, because they believe it will dramatically slow border-crossing and hamper international trade.

Section 110 was originally intended to crack down on illegal immigration by helping the INS to catch visitors who had overstayed their visas and to catch drug smugglers or terrorists.  However, AILA contends that the law would simply cause huge delays at the Mexican and Canadian borders and would not act as an effective law enforcement tool.  Such delays, AILA argues, would have a negative impact on international trade and tourism as well as American businesses, jobs, and citizens.  AILA is hoping that the recently passed FY 99 Senate Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee will stand as it does now, because that bill contains a repeal of Section 110.

Representatives Bonilla and Rodriguez are opposed to Section 110 because of its potential impact on commerce and backlogs at the borders.  However, Representative Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) who supports the provision contends that it will ease trade and is vital to regulating illegal entry to the US, including drug smugglers and terrorists.