We have an unprecedented crisis at the Southern Border, yet mere weeks ago President Biden claimed our border was “secure”. However, since President Biden took office, 7.2 million illegal immigrants have entered the United States through our Southern Border. The number of people who have entered illegally is greater than the population of 36 states. Knowing these unsettling facts, I worked alongside Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick to develop H.R. 7372-Defending Borders, Defending Democracy bill. One way this bill strengthens our national security is by reinstating Remain in Mexico, the  policy where immigrants stay in Mexico until asylum decisions are made. 

Some other notable parts of the bill include prohibiting federal funds to be used when transporting an illegal immigrant from one facility to another. The bill also would require immigration officers to detain and immediately expel inadmissible immigrants.

Alongside the Southern Border security, the bill also includes supplemental packages to support American allies.  These packages fund military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. It is in our national security interest for Ukraine to remain independent and to be a buffer between Russia and NATO. I also support Israel’s mission to totally defeat Hamas in Gaza. Further, we can best prevent war in Taiwan by deterring the Chinese from ever invading. 

We know our broken Southern border is directly connected to 110,000 drug overdoses last year and innocent Americans being murdered by criminals who shouldn’t be in America in the first place. We also know that many migrants are dying in river when trying to enter America and that many of the women are being sexually assaulted during their journeys. It is true that now every state is a border state because the effects of illegal immigration is felt everywhere.