Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today voted in favor of comprehensive legislation (HR 3602) to secure the US southern border as President Biden refuses to resolve the ongoing crisis with existing executive authorities available to him.
“The chaos at our southern border constitutes a grave national security and humanitarian crisis that continues to put the lives of so many at risk,” said Rep. Smith.
“President Biden’s open border policies—and his outright refusal to implement existing executive authorities—not only emboldens human traffickers and those bringing deadly fentanyl into our country but also gives false hope to desperate people willing to risk their own health and survival, even as they are cruelly exploited by ruthless cartels and traffickers,” said Smith.
According to House Republican Leadership, the End the Border Catastrophe Act:
· Forces the Biden Administration to restart construction of the border wall;
· Ends catch and release and the abuse of parole;
· Implements the “Remain in Mexico” policy;
· Increases the number of Border Patrol agents and provides bonus pay;
· Requires transparency from the Department of Homeland Security regarding illegal border crossings;
· Strengthens current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking;
· Strengthens and streamlines the asylum process; and
· Imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa.
“This comprehensive legislation will put an end to the ongoing catastrophe at our border and make sure that all those traveling to the country are properly vetted and processed,” said Smith, who also strongly supported and voted for the Secure our Border Act of 2023 (HR 2).
“While our Nation continues its longstanding tradition to welcome those in search of a better life for them and their families, we must ensure that our immigration policies do not jeopardize the safety of the American people,” Smith said.
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