Border control is an issue that dominates public debate and occupies a prominent position in the national drug strategy. Since little research has been conducted on conditions at the border, policy questions are difficult to answer. The border between the United States and Canada is 5,525 miles long, while the border between the United States and Mexico is 1,953 miles in length. More than 1 million persons enter the United States daily through 292 lawful ports of entry. Illegal aliens are apprehended at the rate of almost 1 million per year, mostly in the Southwest. The domestic vulnerability of the United States to terrorism is discussed, as well as problems posed by drug smuggling and the growing number of illegal immigrants. Federal agency responses to border security are described, with particular attention paid to legislation and information system development. Technological devices used to provide border security are noted, including sensors and infrared imaging equipment. The author considers other border-related problems, such as document fraud, and looks at the effectiveness of the National Drug Control Strategy. A research agenda for the National Institute of Justice to deal with border issues is suggested. Appendixes contain additional information on border security and Federal agencies involved. Tables and figures