Matt Rosendale: “My amendment No. 53 would prohibit funds from being used to enforce Secretary Mayorkas' memo titled: ``Worksite…”

“My amendment No. 53 would prohibit funds from being used to enforce Secretary Mayorkas' memo titled: ``Worksite Enforcement: The Strategy to Protect the American Labor Market, the Conditions of the American Worksite, and the Dignity of the Individual.'' With the stroke of a pen, Secretary Mayorkas eliminated an essential method of interior enforcement by requiring our Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to fight with one hand tied behind their backs. The memo prohibits ICE from conducting worksite enforcement operations except in extremely limited circumstances. There are currently at least 16.8 million illegal aliens in our country, and estimates suggest that upwards of 65 percent of the illegal aliens are employed. Businessowners and ranchers in Montana work hard to ensure they follow Federal immigration law, and this memo punishes law-abiding businesses who refuse to hire illegal aliens. This memo tells employers that they no longer need to follow the law and literally incentivizes the hiring of illegal aliens. Additionally, Americans should not have to compete in the labor market with illegal aliens who are depressing wages and keeping good- paying jobs away from American citizens. President Biden's and Secretary Mayorkas' refusal to allow ICE to do their job and enforce our Nation's laws is a clear dereliction of duty and presents a risk to our country's national security.…”