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U.S. to use border wall funds to “clean up” Trump-era construction sites

Published

4 years ago

December 21, 2021

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will use border security funding allocated by Congress to close wall gaps and pay for environmental and clean-up projects in areas of Arizona, California and Texas affected by barrier construction undertaken by the Trump administration

The wall that marks the border between the US and Mexico will be undergoing more construction as the United States announces funds to help close wall gaps and clean-up surrounding areas.

Congress is allocating border security funding to fasten “small” gaps which is seen as a necessary safety measure.

Some of the money will go towards combatting soil erosion and flooding by installing drainage and completing roads.

A customs and border protection official says that the purpose is not to create new barriers but to protect people from the “unsafe construction situation”.

Wall gates will also be repaired to save migrants stuck in irrigation canals.

The Army Corps of Engineers who were behind the construction of the wall ordered by former president Donald Trump have scrapped the contracts handing over control of the construction sites to the US Department of Homeland Security.

NEW: Texas has officially started building its own border wall. The first wall panels have gone up in Starr County in the RGV. State land, state money. This particular contractor was building Trump’s wall until Biden cancelled them. Now they build for @GregAbbott_TX. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/8wgZIXeFz4
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) December 17, 2021

The $15 billion dollar project was one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in US history.

Over 700 kilometres of border barriers were built during the course of Trump’s presidency.

Following President Biden’s inauguration the leader ordered a stop to the wall’s construction.

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William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

News

Erika Kirk delivers emotional address at Charlie Kirk’s memorial:

Erika Kirk’s heartfelt memorial address: “He blinked and saw his Savior in paradise,” resonated with a cheering stadium.

Published

4 hours ago

September 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

Erika Kirk’s heartfelt memorial address: “He blinked and saw his Savior in paradise,” resonated with a cheering stadium.

Erika Kirk delivers emotional address at her late husband Charlie Kirk’s memorial:

“He blinked and saw his Savior in paradise.”

She started praying as everyone in the stadium cheered her.

News

UN struggles with Israel-Palestine conflict and climate action

UN faces mounting pressure over Gaza and climate change as global leaders convene for General Assembly amid ongoing crises

Published

14 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Ahron Young

UN faces mounting pressure over Gaza and climate change as global leaders convene for General Assembly amid ongoing crises

In Short:
– The UN struggles with violence in Gaza and doubts about its role in global conflicts.
– International pressure on Israel increases, with smaller nations relying on the UN to express their concerns.

The United Nations faces significant challenges as it grapples with escalating violence in Gaza and broader global issues.

Delegates are gathering this week in New York for the UN General Assembly, where the UN’s inability to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict looms large.Historically, the UN aimed to establish peace between Jewish and Arab states in Palestine.

However, its power to address current tensions has diminished, especially with Israel’s continued incursions into Palestinian territories. Israeli officials, including the ambassador to the UN, have vocalised frustrations towards the organisation.

The UN’s challenges extend to its roles in humanitarian aid and climate initiatives, facing budget constraints and diminished expectations.

Global leaders are questioning the UN’s relevance, particularly regarding pressing issues like the Ukraine conflict.

International Response

Increased international scrutiny of Israel parallels historical situations, leading to calls for intensified diplomatic efforts.

The EU has proposed new measures affecting Israeli imports. Amidst this, smaller nations view the UN as a vital platform to voice concerns that might otherwise go unheard.

News

Trump proposes $100,000 H-1B visa fee increase

Trump announces massive H-1B visa fee increases and introduces $1 million ‘gold card’ to reshape immigration system

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump announces massive H-1B visa fee increases and introduces $1 million ‘gold card’ to reshape immigration system

In Short:
– Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million residency gold card to boost American hiring.
– Critics argue increased fees may limit smaller firms’ access to foreign talent, impacting U.S. tech innovation.

President Trump announced significant changes to the U.S. immigration system, introducing a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million “gold card” for residency.

The move aims to increase revenue and promote the hiring of American workers, claiming that many tech companies exploit the current system.The fee increase targets H-1B visa applications, which traditionally have low entry costs.

Trump stated the initiative aims to bring in highly skilled individuals rather than those crossing the borders illegally. A gold card requiring a $1 million payment will expedite visa processing, with a reduced availability compared to existing green card categories.

The new programme could alter the competitive landscape for U.S. tech companies, which historically depend on H-1B visas to access foreign talent.

Critics warn that the increased fees may deter smaller firms from utilising these visas, potentially hindering U.S. progress in tech sectors like artificial intelligence.

Visa Impact

Debate persists within Trump’s administration regarding the new policy’s implications. Supporters argue it protects American jobs, while opponents contend it restricts access to global talent crucial for innovation.

The H-1B visa programme, established in 1990, remains vital for skilled foreign workers seeking residency in the U.S., yet faces growing scrutiny.