Arizona takes donations from the public to build border fence - | News for Yuma, Imperial Valley, El Centro, AZ & CA

Arizona takes donations from the public to build border fence

Yuma, AZ-Arizona lawmakers wanted a bigger and better fence along the Mexico border.

Now with a click of a mouse, the state can now build a border fence with private donations.

Whether the federal government thinks it's necessary or not, Arizona launched a web site in which people can chip in and help the Grand Canyon state build a fence to prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the border.

The web site is now up and running.

Whether by check, money order or visa, the state of Arizona now accepts your money so they can construct and maintain a fence along its border with Mexico.

You can go online at www.buildtheborderfence.com and with a click of the mouse make that donation.

But some are skeptical of its goal.

"I don't know, the border is so big, so much to do," Joaquin Otero said. "I think they're going to find a way to come over even if we build a fence."

Its the latest effort done by Arizona lawmakers dealing with illegal immigration.

The web site pays close resemblance when Governor Jan Brewer set up an account last year to help pay the legal bills when defending SB1070.

However some believe this web site will create more hostility towards the Hispanic community.

"It fuels discrimination. There is lots of discrimination against us," Beatrice Vega said. "So I can only imagine it getting uglier for us."

The web site says that 100 percent of the funds will go in a trust fund account in the state's treasurer office.

Donations are also tax deductible.

"I would donate for more protection because this border drug issue worries me, especially because I have children," Marilyn Gomez said.

Lawmakers behind, build the border fence, aim to raise 50 million dollars to start the project.

They plan to use inmate labor to help offset the costs.

"Its good for some people who can afford it," Joaquin Otero said. "Right now with the economy and everything...everybody is struggling."

"I would donate but since im unemployed, I don't have much to give," Martha Bejarano said.

According to the web site, the names of the donors may be subjected to Arizona's public record laws.

Also, after donors are done checking out they can receive a certificate saying they helped build the border fence.

"I think it's a great idea because there has been so many deaths in the desert and I don't want that for my people," Bejarano said.

 The Arizona-Mexico border is about 400 miles long.

To build a fence, it is estimated that every mile can cost between $400,000 to 3 million dollars.

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