Trump Can Fix the Border on Day 1

The message over the last four years has been: if you show up, we will find a way to get you in. And who has benefited from that? The cartels, who profit from this human pipeline, and terrorist-linked individuals exploiting the chaos to slip in unnoticed.

All the powers needed to address this crisis already exist under current law. The President has the authority to implement “Remain in Mexico,” and the Department of Homeland Security can immediately return migrants to a neighboring foreign territory. The President also holds broad powers to suspend or restrict entry for any group deemed detrimental to our national interest.

Section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) says the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security “may” grant asylum—not “shall” grant asylum. Section 208 allows President Trump to make anyone illegally entering the country ineligible for asylum. Additionally, under section 212, President Trump can stop the entry of illegal aliens altogether. Finally, section 235 authorizes him to immediately place illegal migrants back onto the Mexican side of the border.

The 2024 election was a clear mandate from the American people to reverse President Biden’s disastrous border policies. We must reinstate “Remain in Mexico” and use the other existing authorities to the full extent. That is why, immediately following this hearing, we will vote on affirming the president’s and the secretary of homeland security’s legal authority to secure the southwest border—including taking immediate steps to remove illegal aliens, reinstate “Remain in Mexico,” and end catch-and-release.

The Trump administration demonstrated that when the law is enforced properly, it works. This resolution reaffirms that President Trump—or any president—has the broad authority to resolve this ongoing crisis. I urge my colleagues to stand with us, uphold the rule of law, and restore order at our nation’s borders.