Loose border saps county coffers

The United States' inability to slow illegal immigration from Mexico is fueling a financial crisis in the 24 counties along the 1,951-mile Southwest border, according to a new study. It says the counties are struggling to fund law enforcement, health programs and other necessities because they are spending millions of dollars a year to care for illegal immigrants. Read on.

A border agent searches suspected illegal immigrants who were stopped Monday in southwestern Cochise County, Ariz.
By Mark Levy for USA TODAY