North Baltimore Journal

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger last May 11, 2023 voted against a draconian immigration reform bill that would end our asylum system, victimize unaccompanied children at the border and add $6 billion to the federal deficit. H.R. 2 passed the House of Representatives in a party line vote but is expected to fail in the U.S Senate. President Joe Biden has threatened to veto the bill. 

“There’s no question our immigration system is broken, but to achieve true comprehensive reform that both strengthens border security and creates a sensible legal immigration system, everyone needs a seat at the table,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “This bill reflects extreme values held by only a fraction of the American people.” 

The legislation enacts many of the failed border policies of the Trump Administration, restarting construction of the misguided border wall – which has been breached over 3,272 times already, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records. The bill expedites deportation and detainment of unaccompanied minors and eliminates legal pathways for vulnerable immigrants fleeing violence and poverty. Dozens of religious, humanitarian and civil rights organizations oppose the bill. In fact, the bill eliminates funding for nonprofits like Catholic Charities and the Red Cross if they provide food, shelter or legal services to asylum seekers. 

The legislation does not contain a single provision to crack down on drug trafficking at ports of entry, where 90 percent of fentanyl is smuggled in by U.S. citizens in cars and trucks. In fact, Republicans this year have voted to cut CBP’s budget by $4 billion, resulting in the loss of 2,400 officers. 

Congressman Ruppersberger supports increased funding and resources for CBP. He has advocated for bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform, proposing enactment of legislation known as the “Gang of Eight” bill that passed the U.S. Senate in a supermajority vote in 2013. It balanced strong border security with a reasonable and rigorous legalization process similar to Ronald Reagan’s proposal in 1986. 

“This bill reflects racist misconceptions and falsehoods about the impact of immigrants on our economy and society,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “We are a nation of immigrants, who are a net boon to our economy, regardless of legal status.” 

“I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a reasonable and effective immigration reform bill,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “This bill is neither.” 

Original source can be found here.