While veteran unemployment reached its lowest numbers in 2014, there is still a significant percentage of former servicemembers who are unable to find work. The Border Jobs for Veterans Act hopes to provide some relief by employing these individuals in defense positions along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.- Canadian borders.
According to Tucson News Now, the Border Jobs for Veterans Act will employ former servicemembers with Customs and Border Protection. They will be trained to guard the border and be responsible for legal entry into the U.S. Proponents of the Act argue that not only would hiring veterans fulfill the vacant Customs and Border Protection positions, but the extra employees could help speed up processing checkpoints at the borders.
"This legislation will put veterans to work, improve national security, increase trade, and grow the economy – all at no additional cost to the taxpayer," Arizona Senator Jeff Flake said on his website.
Veterans that spoke to Tucson New Now were also very enthusiastic about the Act's potential. Many said that the job sounded like meaningful work that would benefit them in their lives after service.
On Sept. 9, the Act was passed in both houses of Congress, meaning the only thing it needs to go into full effect is the president's signature.