Congressman Gonzalez Statement on President Biden’s Executive Order to Secure the Border

WASHINGTON,D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) joined President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for the announcement of an executive order to curtail the flow of migrants at the U.S. - Mexico border. Specifically, this order would bar migrants who unlawfully cross between port of entries from receiving asylum. This would go into effect anytime the border is overwhelmed which will make it easier for immigration officials to remove unlawful individuals.  

“The President’s actions are welcome but long overdue,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I have frequently stated that we must reconsider how and where asylum claims are processed — especially as only about 30% of migrants coming to our Southern Border are granted asylum.”  

“While this is a move in the right direction, the President's executive action alone cannot be not a substitute for changing our immigration laws or addressing current funding or staffing shortages. I urge my House Republican colleagues to bring the Bipartisan Senate Border package to the floor for a vote so that we can properly fund our border authorities, humanely and efficiently process migrants, and strengthen our Southern Border.“  

Congressman Gonzalez has been a staunch advocate of increasing the security of the U.S. - Mexico border, fixing the country’s outdated immigration system, and alleviating the strain that migrant surges bring to border communities and federal authorities. This includes his introduction of the Safe Zones Act, which if passed would offer a safe, lawful pathway for migrants to seek asylum along the U.S. – Mexico border and Guatemala. This legislation would help to stem the flow of migration at our southern border and limit migrants' reliance on cartel smugglers. 

  
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