Filemon Vela

I used to get really frustrated having to go through the checkpoint, because to me it didn't make sense that I, as an American citizen born in Brownsville, would have to be asked whether or not I was a citizen 2 hours north.

Deploying biometric exit at ports of entry and addressing overstays is no easy task but it is a necessary part of ensuring meaningful border security.

I think we need to have a much more robust approach around the country with respect to educating our veterans about the availability of these jobs.

Last year, President Obama signed a bill I authored, the Border Jobs for Veterans Act.

When SpaceX begins its operations in Cameron County in early 2017, it is estimated that we will attract upwards of 15,000 visitors per launch creating a South Texas Space Corridor similar to Cape Canaveral.

As a Member representing a border district, I understand and have seen first-hand the importance of maintaining infrastructure and adequate staffing at our ports of entry.

We must ensure that Mexico is doing everything it can to root out the corruption that plagues law enforcement and civil institutions in order to effectively combat drug cartels.

Our diplomatic relationship with Mexico is a critical tool for stabilizing the region.

Closing U.S. consulates in Mexico will simply destabilize the region making our borders less safe.

The security and prosperity of my district and so many communities like it depends in part on security and prosperity across the border.

Unfortunately, there is growing concern that the VWP could be exploited by terrorists.

I agree, Chairman Miller, that this issue is one that has bipartisan support, because we all know how important it is to protect our country against terrorism.

I also cringe when I hear the word border crisis because in my view what we are talking about is three separate crises that are interrelated.

What I strongly object to is the idea that the legalization process ought to be conditioned on border security.

What we want to do is stop it right now. We know how to do it. We just need to get the resources there to do it.

Mr. Vela. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Dr. Merlin, I am trying to understand, what is the scientific explanation for the response that a travel ban would actually make things worse?

I do not think that our work on immigration reform should be conditioned upon border security.

What is happening along our Southern Border is a mounting tragedy, its root cause being Washington's failure diplomatically and strategically to address our border security and illegal immigration problem.

I can only imagine what kind of desperation prompts mothers and fathers to hand their children over to smugglers.

These children are not perpetrators or criminals--they are, in many cases, victims.

I believe that this is a humanitarian crisis.

Michigan exports $12 billion in products to Mexico and 175,000 jobs in Michigan depend upon trade with Mexico.

What would any of us do as parents? We would take them and we would flee.

I want to begin by respectfully disagreeing with my colleague from Michigan in terms of the comments related to trade with Mexico.

I hope that this subcommittee will continue to delve into this very important matter so that we can ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.