Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to allow President Biden to move forward with ending the “Remain in Mexico” program.
“President Biden's reckless decision to end the 'Remain in Mexico' policy will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis at our southern border by giving people who cross the border illegally a free pass to stay in the country and never show up to their court date,” Burgess said. “The Supreme Court recognized Congress’ role in tackling this problem. Speaker Pelosi must address this in pending funding bills going through the appropriations process.”
“The implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols required those seeking refuge or asylum to remain in Mexico throughout their judicial proceedings and reduced the number of unlawful entries. This helped to deter coyotes and human traffickers from being able to take advantage of desperate migrants. The journey from the Northern Triangle countries is dangerous, as we were reminded just this week with the awful tragedy of dozens of people left by smugglers to die in a hot truck. Additionally, we know the major stories reported in newspapers about young Americans losing their lives to fentanyl overdoses. There is no question that the cartels will misrepresent that the southern border is open, and we can expect the current flood of unlawful immigration to increase. It is unconscionable to me that instead of enforcing our laws, this administration seeks ways to undermine them.
“I have studied the crisis at our southern border since the Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) crisis began nearly a decade ago. The Office of Refugee Resettlement tasked with the care and placement of UACs was severely unprepared. The Supreme Court’s decision will not solve the humanitarian crisis we continue to witness at our border, but rather prolong it. Congress must act now and turn off the ‘open now’ sign at our border before more lives are lost.”.”
