On the recordJuly 16, 2014
The crisis on our southern border is one of the President's making. His policies and failure to secure the border have encouraged tens of thousands of unaccompanied alien children to attempt to enter the United States. On the way, they are exposed to exploitation, violence, sex trafficking, health risks, and other dangers. The situation on the border is a humanitarian crisis, and it requires our Chief Executive's immediate and decisive action. Rather than leading from behind, President Obama should convene a meeting with the leaders of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and demand their cooperation in finding a solution. He should work with our border State Governors and deploy the National Guard to provide security and humanitarian relief. President Obama should work with Congress to actually solve the problem. That would include changing the law to allow for the prompt repatriation of those coming from Central America and providing the administrative and social service resources needed to reunite the children with their relatives in their native countries. The President bears responsibility for the chaos on the border and in these children's lives. It is time for him to lead. ____________________
