25 JAN 2024

Immigration Hub: GOP Members of Congress Don’t Have the Courage, Political Will or Good Faith to Address Border Security

WASHINGTON, DC - After months of negotiations, recent reporting indicates that GOP lawmakers are rescinding their support for a supplemental funding deal to address border security and fund foreign aid. In a closed door meeting yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) relayed to Republicans that, as Donald Trump has essentially secured the GOP presidential nomination, a deal on immigration policy would “undermine” his efforts to campaign on the issue this election cycle. The GOP presidential frontrunner reportedly reached out to GOP senators this week, urging them against a deal in order to deny President Biden a “victory.”

“Here we go again,” stated Beatriz Lopez, Deputy Director of the Immigration Hub. “Republicans in Congress prove yet again how they are not honest brokers, least of all when they kowtow to Donald Trump. Even when presented with Trump-era proposals and a willingness from President Biden to compromise, GOP senators refuse to take up any bipartisan proposal.

“It’s blatantly clear that the Trump Party was never interested in solving problems in good faith or with effective policies. They want to continue using immigration as an electoral wedge issue against Biden and Democrats. They want to create chaos at the border and in Democratic-led cities to score political points as they vow family separation and mass deportation in a Trumpian future. The New Hampshire primary results and GOP Senators’ about-face on the deal are a stark reminder that Trump will dictate the future of any immigration posturing by Republicans in Congress. Put plainly: Trump and party extremists will not give Biden and Democrats an inch or a win.

“President Biden and Democrats should move forward, respond to the American people with bold, pragmatic solutions – not the current policies in negotiation that would gut our asylum system and create unmanageable disorder at the border. They have a critical opportunity to meet the moment by working with governors, local leaders, and NGOs across border communities and the country to resettle asylum seekers and fulfill the economic needs of communities. The Biden administration must also focus on lawful pathways for Dreamers and long-settled immigrant families. In the absence of goodwill in Congress, the urgency to act for those who have long called America their home is imperative.

“In response to a Republican Party dominated by their presumptive nominee’s dark vision of America, President Biden and Democrats must courageously deliver on our nation’s promise to those seeking freedom and opportunity with galvanizing policies.”   

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.