Ariz. Lawmakers Say They'll Build Border Fence

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona is taking on immigration once again.

State lawmakers are collecting donations from the public to put fencing along every inch of the state's porous border with Mexico in a first-of-its-kind effort.

The idea came from a state senator, Republican Steve Smith, who says that people from across the nation have donated about $255,000 to the project since July.

That's when the state launched a fundraising website that urges visitors to "show the world the resolve and the can-do spirit of the American people."

Supporters argue the project is necessary because the federal government has done little to secure the border.

Opponents say the idea is a misguided, piecemeal approach to border issues that will prove to be ineffective and hugely expensive.

___

Online:

Arizona's border-fence fundraising: http://bit.ly/vWJySa