Alex Padilla: “reserving the right to object, this bill is yet another attempt by our Republican colleagues to stoke fear about the…”

“reserving the right to object, this bill is yet another attempt by our Republican colleagues to stoke fear about the migrations we are seeing at the southern border rather than work collaboratively with us to actually address the issue and their stated concerns. For a decade now, we have seen increasing arrivals at the southern border, especially of vulnerable populations. I am talking about families and unaccompanied children, many who are fleeing horrific conditions in their home countries, such as gang violence, drug trafficking, corruption, a global health pandemic, or the devastating effects of climate change, if not a multitude of these dangers. It is unsafe for many of them to remain in their countries, and so they make the arduous journey to the United States to seek asylum and, heaven forbid, a better future. Asylum seekers aren't just seeking a better life; they are simply trying to not die or to not be killed. Too many policymakers act like asylum seekers are simply choosing to come here, but, given the horrific conditions in their home countries, it is really no choice at all. So I am deeply disappointed to see Republicans in both the House and the Senate distorting these desperate young children and families at the border into some sort of threat to our Nation. Responsibly addressing migration requires going beyond partisan finger-pointing.…”