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Arizona wants to build own border fence

Utah National Guard members work on the construction of a new fence at the Arizona border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona June 6, 2006. Other units that have previously worked on sections of the fence have left their mark. More than 50 National Guardsmen from Utah became the first unit to get to work under President George W. Bush's crackdown on illegal immigration. (UPI Photo/Will Powers)
Utah National Guard members work on the construction of a new fence at the Arizona border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona June 6, 2006. Other units that have previously worked on sections of the fence have left their mark. More than 50 National Guardsmen from Utah became the first unit to get to work under President George W. Bush's crackdown on illegal immigration. (UPI Photo/Will Powers) | License Photo

PHOENIX, May 17 (UPI) -- Arizona officials are trying to work out how to build their own border fence when much of the area belongs to the U.S. government and Indian tribes.

The state Legislature passed a law authorizing the fence, The Arizona Republic reported. The law, which takes effect July 20, requires the fence to be funded by private donations and for construction to be approved by landowners.

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President Obama said last week the border fence between the United States and Mexico is "now basically complete." But only one-third of the 370-mile Arizona section of the border has the substantial fence the state Legislature envisages -- high and solid, designed to keep out people on foot.

State Sen. Steve Smith, a Republican, disagrees with Obama.

"That's an insult and a lie," Smith said. "Look at what constitutes a fence: two sticks and barbed wire throughout a large portion of the border in Arizona."

Smith is not optimistic the U.S. government will be helpful.

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