As concern over border security grows, Texas Representative Randy Weber (R) has filed a motion to reintroduce Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the 'Remain in Mexico' policy.
In a statement, Rep. Weber criticized the current use of the asylum system. Many in the GOP have claimed that the system is too laxed and is often abused by migrants claiming asylum. The asylum-seeking migrants are often from countries dealing with some level of political turmoil.
“The asylum process should be reserved for those who genuinely need it and not be used as a hamfisted workaround that allows the Biden Administration to sidestep our nation's sovereignty,” said Rep. Weber.
The Texas congressman blamed President Joe Biden (D) for the waves of immigration at the border. There has been a bipartisan push for tighter border security measures. The Remain in Mexico policy was instituted under the Trump administration. However, it was criticized for its tactics that included kidnappings and separating families. In 2021, the Biden administration repealed the measure.
“President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, and the rest of the Biden Administration have profoundly neglected their duty to secure our nation’s border. To put that in perspective, prior to Joe Biden taking office, the total estimated population of illegal aliens living in America was 10-12 million—meaning that we have almost doubled the illegal population in less than three years. Implementing this bill is necessary and a commonsense measure to mitigate and decrease illegal border crossings, enabling our great Border Patrol to patrol and secure our border."
Texas lawmakers have attempted to stop illegal immigration through controversial means. After much controversy, U.S. District Judge David Ezra ruled that the floating marine barriers implemented by Governor Abbott in Eagle Pass, Texas must be removed.
“Governor Abbott announced that he was not 'asking for permission' for Operation Lone Star, the anti-immigration program under which Texas constructed the floating barrier,” said Judge Ezra.
“Unfortunately for Texas, permission is exactly what federal law requires before installing obstructions in the nation's navigable waters.”
