The U.S.-Mexico border fence — are private contractors making billions on a project that won't work?

In 2006, Congress authorized the Secure Fence Act, a multi-billion dollar plan to build hundreds of miles of fencing along the southern border of the United States to stem the flow of undocumented immigrants and provide security from potential terrorism. But what was built to fight illegal immigration has turned into a nightmare for many Americans living along the U.S.-Mexico border. Turns out the fence - which will cover less than half of the actual border - inexplicably cuts through the middle of some properties, while leaving others untouched. Many question if it can keep people from sneaking in at all.

NOW senior correspondent Maria Hinojosa travels to Texas to meet border families who fear losing their property, their safety and their way of life. We also follow an investigative reporter who questions whether certain landowners are getting preferential treatment.

Is America's border fence working or is it an utter waste?

The NOW ON PBS Web site (www.pbs.org/now ) will feature Web-exclusive video from an Arizona homeowner showing what he considers a pointless federal security fence built through his yard. Also, a look at fences, walls and other physical boundaries built around the world to separate cultures.