Johnson unexpectedly visits border following bipartisan criticism of Harris on immigration.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., recently made an impromptu trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, echoing concerns about the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis. The move came shortly after a resolution was passed by six Democrats and all House Republicans, condemning Vice President Kamala Harris as the border czar.
During Johnson’s visit to the San Diego sector, he highlighted the pressing issues surrounding the “Biden-Harris border catastrophe” and the implications it has on national security, including the integrity of our elections. Accompanied by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and members of the National Border Patrol Council, Johnson emphasized the urgent need to address the ongoing challenges at the border.
According to Jon Anfinsen, a top union official, the decrease in Border Patrol encounters due to the President’s Executive Order may not tell the whole story. While encounters at ports of entry and airports have decreased, there has been a surge in asylum seekers seeking to exploit the system, posing new challenges for customs officers.
Despite the White House pointing to the success of the Executive Order, data indicates a shift in migrant patterns, leading to increased strain on customs officers handling migrant processing duties.
Rep. Darrell Issa joined Johnson in emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to address the border crisis. The House recently passed the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act), with the aim of adding a proof-of-citizenship requirement to the voter registration process. While the bill garnered bipartisan support in the House, it awaits consideration in the Democrat-majority Senate.
Johnson raised concerns about current federal laws that limit states from verifying citizenship during voter registration, potentially allowing illegal immigrants to access public benefits and participate in elections. He highlighted the flaws in the “motor voter” registration laws, which he believes contribute to unauthorized individuals registering to vote without proof of citizenship.
Amidst differing viewpoints on the GOP bill, Democrats have defended their stance, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reforms and rejecting claims of voter fraud. Bates, a Democratic representative, urged Republicans to prioritize national security over partisan politics.
Johnson’s visit to the border underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies, national security, and voter eligibility. As the Biden administration continues to grapple with the complexities of the border crisis, lawmakers remain divided on the best approach to address these challenges.
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