On the recordJuly 30, 2014
The situation on our southern border and the influx of unaccompanied migrant children is both tragic and alarming. Even more concerning is the lack of leadership coming from the White House. We also know that a law passed in 2008--the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization--has further complicated the administration's response. The law guarantees minors from Central America a court date and assistance for temporary relocation as they wait out their pending appeal. Unfortunately, a large number of these individuals evade attending these proceedings. Few minors are sent home, and most are able to stay for years, if not permanently. The current situation is a stark reminder of just how flawed the Senate's immigration reform bill is. Granting amnesty to millions would merely reinforce the perception that, if you come to the United States illegally, you will be rewarded. Unfortunately, billions in new spending will not reverse the perception of a lenient enforcement environment in the United States. What we need is for the White House to enforce the laws, secure the borders, and put aside political games and start working with Congress in a bipartisan manner. ____________________
