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Bill Introduced to Allow Special Hiring Practices for CBP in Rural Areas

A bipartisan pair of Arizona congressmen recently introduced the CBP Hiring and Retention Act, also called CBP Hire, which would give DHS the ability to bypass usual federal hiring routines for rural areas if the agency determines there's a critical hiring need in the region.

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Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., said, "With morale, recruitment, and retention at an all-time low for CBP, it’s crucial that we send a message to Border Patrol that we have their backs." The bill's co-sponsor is Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz.

CBP would have direct hire authority, would allow recruitment and relocation bonuses for employees who stay at least two years, and could offer a special pay rate for remote locations.

The union that represents CBP workers, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, the Border Trade Alliance, the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the Pima County Board of Supervisors, Chamberlain Inc., Douglas Regional Economic Development Corporation, Douglas International Port Authority, and the Greater Yuma Port Authority support the bill.