Arizona senator seeks to ease process to hire border agents

(The Center Square) — U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, wants to cut red tape in the hiring of U.S. border agents.

Gallego, a first-term senator, has introduced the Border Patrol Recruitment Enhancement Act. The measure aims to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection quickly hire qualified agents and officers by waiving things such as the polygraph requirement for applicants with law enforcement or military experience.

In a press release announcing his bill, Gallego said CBP is “stretched thin” and placed blame on the current hiring system.

“We’re losing qualified applicants to red tape and delays,” said Gallego. “If you’ve already served in the military or law enforcement, we shouldn’t be making you jump through unnecessary hoops just to serve your country again.”

The Border Patrol Recruitment Enhancement Act has the backing of officials at the National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees.

NTEU President Doreen Greenwald said a measure like this would help “ensure our parts have the resources they need to maintain efficient operations.”

AFGE District 12 National Vice President Mario Campos added this would remove the “frustration” that he and others have experienced in seeking employment.

“Veterans and law enforcement professionals have already proven themselves through years of service,” said Campos, a Marine and combat veteran. “Slowing down the federal hiring process with bureaucratic barriers only keeps our agencies understaffed and undermines national security.”

According to Gallego’s office, the current hiring process involves 11 steps that Gallego said can take nearly two years. Even then, Gallego said that “only a small percentage of applicants actually get hired.” Meanwhile, the mandatory polygraph test costs taxpayers $2,000 per test that Gallego said could produce high rates of false positives.

“I’m proud to lead this bill to help CBP hire border agents and port officers faster, cut bureaucracy and keep our border secure,” said Gallego.