Political Quotes

“I would ask the senior Senator of Arizona, who is also a national well-known security expert but who also knows a little bit about this big world we live in, what is it we can do with some of the money slated to go to countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, and even Mexico? Historically, we have had a successful partnership, for example, with the Colombian Government to help them build their capacity under Plan Colombia. Admittedly, that is a different scenario. In Mexico we have the Merida Initiative, where we train and provide equipment to help build their police and law enforcement capability. Are there things we ought to try to tie the money that goes to these countries to right now that would be productive programs and help solve the problem at its source? Mr. McCAIN. Absolutely. And I think, as we mentioned earlier, beefing up our embassy and consulate capabilities to hear these cases in the country of origin--particularly Central America--is very important. I would also point out an article entitled ``Deportation data won't dispel rumors drawing migrant minors to U.S.'' It is a very interesting piece. Organized crime groups in Central America have exploited the slow U.S. legal process and the compassion shown to children in apparent crisis, according to David Leopold, an immigration attorney in Cleveland. He said smugglers, who may charge a family up to $12,000 to deliver a child to the border, often tell them exactly what to say to American officials.…”