We are a nation of immigrants. We are a compassionate nation. And like every other country, we have borders and we have laws. One of our laws is for those who want to enter America, they must do so in a legal way. We welcome the legal immigrant. But illegality is just that - it is against the law.
There are thousands of people fleeingoppression and persecution around the world to seek solace here in America. The United States continues to be the shining beacon on the hill which inspires people from around the world. However, we have a right way, and a wrong way, to come to America.
We are a refuge for those seeking asylum from horrible circumstances. With thousands of asylum requests, our courts are backlogged. Many admitted and released to await an immigration hearing never come back for the hearing. We need to pass legislation to increase the number of immigration judges who process immigration cases so we can quickly - with due process - move through these legal proceedings.
Beyond that, our immigration problems can be addressed through enforcing our laws and strengthening our immigration system. Earlier this year, Congress considered immigration legislation which I voted for. The legislation authorized robust funding to secure our borders, ended the visa lottery program, limited chain migration, mandated e-verify on employers, kept families together, and created a permanent legal status for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals population - those illegally brought here or came here as children.
Unfortunately, this good compromise bill did not pass. It would have helped solve some of our immigration problems. Doing nothing keeps us dealing with the same problems we are experiencing. Compromise doesn’t mean you have to give up your principles, morals, or values. It means you just don’t always get all you want, yet you gain ground in helping to solve the problem.
When talking about border security, there are steps we can take to make sure we know who and what is coming across our southern and northern borders. I have visited the border on Texas, Arizona, and California and have spoken with border patrol agents.
A wall is needed in certain parts of the border. Some areas need ground penetrating radar to detect tunnels, other areas need drones, and other areas need more border patrol agents on horseback. Some areas need just fencing or new technologies with sensors. Whatever is effective to secure our border in any given area is what we need.
I have no doubt many trying to cross our borders - even illegally - are in search of a better life. However, there are those who are not such good actors who are smuggling drugs which are poisoning our communities. Our border patrol agents have caught illegal weapons smuggled across our borders. Our officials have caught bad actors illegally trafficking humans for labor or the sex trade.
There are solutions. And I have voted for those solutions I outlined above. Unfortunately, the legislation I voted for didn’t pass. The legislation didn’t go far enough for some. For others, it went too far. Unfortunately, those demanding perfection in legislation are stopping good legislation from passing. This leaves us with the status quo and the ongoing problem. We need to come together and act.
As we close out this Congress before the end of the year, I will continue to work to secure our border and advance common sense immigration policies.