The time is now to reform our border policies

During the previous administration, illegal border crossings were at an all-time high. Border security is national security, and as we transition to a new administration, it is crucial the federal government focuses on common-sense solutions to address our border crisis.

Over the last four years, we have seen over 10 million illegal migrant encounters nationwide and numerous executive orders aimed at weakening our border security. With the termination of catch-and-release policies and the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program, coupled with the rise in immigration shortcuts like the CBP One app, we are now facing an unprecedented illegal migration crisis, but I am confident over the next four years, we can get our borders back under control.

One way to regain control of our borders is by increasing manpower and improving infrastructure. By providing our Border Patrol agents with the necessary support to do their jobs effectively, we can retain skilled personnel and attract new hires. It is also crucial for the federal government to use the materials we have already paid for to fortify our physical barriers and ensure our ports of entries are equipped to handle the flow of commerce while preventing illegal activity, such as the smuggling of illicit substances like fentanyl or human trafficking. By restarting programs which have been proven to work in the past, we can curb the flow of illegal migration and prevent every neighborhood from turning into a border town.

While curbing illegal migration is the priority, the federal government must also take a pragmatic approach to the legal immigration system. By strengthening and streamlining the asylum process, we can ensure genuine asylum seekers are protected while still prioritizing the security of our nation. Our system should not be exploited by those seeking to bypass our immigration laws, which is why we must emphasize a fair and efficient process that upholds our values while still maintaining the rule of law.

One of the ways I have been working in Congress to improve the current system is by introducing legislation to protect our agricultural labor industry while providing a pathway to legal status for farmworkers. My bill, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, enacts meaningful reforms to the H-2A agricultural guestworker program by creating a first-of-its-kind, merit-based visa program specifically designed for our nation’s agricultural sector. This would not only ensure a safe and legal pathway for immigrants to enter the United States, but also reduces incentives for illegal migration, helps solve our agricultural labor shortage, and strengthens our food supply chain.

The United States is the land of immigrants, but a nation without secure borders is a nation at risk. It is past time for strong leadership and decisive action, and I am determined to fight for strong federal policy to curb illegal migration.