US borders at risk of bio-invaders? / The Scientist, 16 May 2007
http://www.the-scientist.com/news/home/53195/
"Legislators and scientists say Homeland Security isn't doing enough to keep US borders safe -- from pests, that is.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) isn't protecting US borders from agricultural pests and invasive species, and should transfer responsibility of border patrol back to the US Department of Agriculture, say farmers, environmental groups, and legislators.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 transferred responsibility for agricultural inspections from the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to DHS, based on the assumption that putting agricultural inspections, immigration, and customs under one roof would improve coordination and security. The system under APHIS wasn't perfect, but when the baton passed to the DHS, critics say the ensuing confusion caused experienced inspectors to quit and left many posts unfilled."