The controversial 'virtual fence' on the US border with Mexico has been scrapped after the project was dogged by technical problems, financial over-runs and schedule delays.
The Secure Border Initiative-network (SBInet)- a high-tech surveillance system of video cameras, radar, sensors and other technologies designed to catch illegal immigrants and smugglers trying to cross the border - has been cancelled by the Obama administration.
Crossing the line: Signs for the US border in Tijuana, in the Mexican state of Baja California
The fence, which covers just 53 miles in two regions of Arizona of the 2,000-mile border, has cost taxpayers nearly $1billion dollars since its inception in 2005, according to a homeland security report.
Janet Napolitano, US Homeland Security Secretary, cited the project's high cost and persistent technical problems as among the reasons behind the decision...
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