The United States is a nation formed on the rule of law. Each year, however, hundreds of thousands of aliens deliberately violate our nation's laws by unlawfully crossing U.S. borders. Today, there are an estimated 17 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States. In September alone, there were 269,735 encounters along our southern border, the most ever recorded in a single month. This staggering number brought the FY23 encounters to 2.48 million, the highest annual number on record. The American people can no longer afford to suffer from the Biden administration’s border neglect.
The consequences of illegal immigration are far-reaching:
- Illegal immigration causes an enormous drain on public funds. Accommodating the needs of endless numbers of poor, unskilled illegal entrants undermines the quality of education, healthcare, and other services for Americans.
- Illegal immigration overwhelms communities by crowding classrooms, consuming already limited affordable housing, and increasing the strain on precious natural resources.
- Illegal Immigration compromises our nation's security, allowing potential terrorists to hide in the same shadows.
Curtailing illegal immigration will require a full range of enforcement measures that go far beyond the border. That's why I support comprehensive efforts toendillegal immigration, and that's why, as your representative in Congress, I will continue to push Congress to implement the three major components of immigration control:deterrence,apprehension, andremoval.
Deterrence
President Biden's heedless immigration policies have led to 3.8 million illegal border crossings and a further 900,000 known “got-aways” since taking office. The American people understand the national security and humanitarian crisis the Biden administration has caused. With an open border leading to more drugs, crime, and a villainized Border Patrol, House Republicans have a plan to regain control of our southern border. Fully funding our border enforcement, ending catch-and-release loopholes, and eliminating welfare incentives will result in a safely recovered southern border and return prosperity throughout our communities.
Apprehension
Detaining and deporting most illegal aliens remains a low priority of federal immigration authorities, who are resource-limited and forced to focus their efforts on targeting those with criminal convictions or on those who constitute a threat to national security. The status quo is simply unacceptable – Congressmusttake action to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration.
Removal
I oppose any measure granting Amnesty to those here illegally. Citizenship should be given only to those who treasure the United States and who have upheld American law and the United States Constitution.
Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation
H.R. 2 – Secure the Border Act of 2023
It is past time for the U.S. southern border to be secured. The neglectful policies of both President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have broken the system. This is why House Republicans immediately passed H.R. 2 – the Secure the Border Act of 2023.
The bill will force the Biden administration to restart construction of the border wall, end catch and release, and reinstitute the Trump administration’s Remain in Mexico policy. In addition, this legislation will increase the number of Border Patrol agents and provide bonus pay for retention while strengthening current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking.
H.R.4238 - Kate's Law
Also called "Kate's Law," this important piece of legislation builds on the foundation of H.R. 2942 and creates harsher penalties for illegal immigrants who unlawfully enter the United States after being deported. This law takes the name of Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman who died in San Francisco at the hands of an illegal immigrant who had previously been arrested and deported and then returned to commit criminal acts again.
Over the past 20 years, Colorado taxpayers have spent more than $522 million to imprison illegal immigrants convicted of crimes, according toCBS Denver. The United States must make it crystal clear that those who are in our country illegally and choose to buy or sell illegal drugs, abuse a spouse or family member, drink and drive, or commit a litany of other crimes will not be treated lightly. That's why I've been such a fierce advocate for Kate's Law – because Colorado residents simply cannot afford to pay the price of Washington's continued inaction in securing our borders and keeping our families safe.
H. Res. 461 – Condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States
This legislation condemns using the facilities of a public elementary or secondary school that serves students to house non – U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are not admitted into the United States.
H.R. 876 – Border Crisis Prevention Act of 2023
This bill imposes further requirements on asylum seekers and increases certain time limits related to detained non – U.S. nationals. Furthermore, this legislation would allow the Department of Justice to appoint 100 additional immigration judges to assist with the current case backlog.
H.R. 335 – STOP Fentanyl Act
The STOP Fentanyl Act reduces the drug quantity thresholds that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who manufactures, distributes, imports, exports, or possesses with intent to distribute fentanyl. This bill would further create enhanced criminal penalties for certain violations involving fentanyl that was imported along the U.S – Mexico border.
H.R.2581 - Verify First Act
HR 2581, the Verify First Act, withholds Affordable Care Act subsidies from people until their citizenship is verified.
H.R.3003 - No Sanctuary for Criminals Act
HR 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, targets states and localities that have "sanctuary" laws on immigration.
Denver and Aurora want to welcome you to your new neighbors: the tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens who, despite having been detained for other crimes, are offered "sanctuary" in direct contradiction of federal law and the constitutional prerogative of the federal government to dictate immigration policy. If you live in Colorado Springs, just a quick drive up Interstate 25, you deserve sanctuary: sanctuary from criminals who drink and drive, buy or sell illicit drugs, commit rape, murder, and a litany of other crimes. The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act will force sanctuary states and cities across our nation to follow the law, making Colorado safer for all law-abiding legal residents.
H.R. 3697 – Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act
This bill gives the government more power to deport and deny admission to immigrants suspected of being in gangs.
