1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov February 21, 2018Federal and Indian Lands on the U.S.-Mexico BorderThe federal government owns roughly 640 million acres of land, about 28% of the 2.27 billion acres of land in the United States. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), in the Department of th
2、e Interior (DOI), is responsible for administering another 55 million acres held in trust for American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. Congress faces diverse issues pertaining to the management, development, and protection of federal and Indian lands. Federal and Indian lands on the bord
3、er between the United States and Mexico present unique challenges due to the remoteness and topography of the lands, length of the border, extent of federal and Indian lands, and differences in missions of managing agencies. These challenges are particularly at issue during congressional considerati
4、on of proposals to secure the nations borders against terrorists and illegal entry of persons and goods, including through construction of fences and other barriers. Questions include how to facilitate access to these lands that allows for efforts to enhance border security while at the same time pr
