Immigration
More on Immigration
At the forefront of many Americans’ minds right now, including mine, is the situation at our southern border. The surge of illegal immigrants attempting to enter our country at the Unites States-Mexico border is a serious problem with sweeping implications for national security, drug smuggling, and public safety, before even considering the health and safety of the skyrocketing numbers of unaccompanied children. Our country is a beacon of freedom and opportunity, but our legal process must be upheld and abided by to ensure the continued existence of such opportunity.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement regarding his visit to the United States-Mexico border:
“We face significant challenges on our southern border. Illegal crossings, drug smuggling and the increase in unaccompanied minors have highlighted the need for enhanced border security. The President is correct for his focus on strengthening our border. I salute and respect our Border Patrol who are on the front lines of our national security.”
As recent trends demonstrate, we must take border security seriously. In May, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stopped 144,000 people from illegally entering the United States – the most in one month since 2006. This incredible number of people is almost three times the population of Grand Island.
Our borders reflect the history, geography, and sovereignty of our nation. We monitor and defend them for a number of reasons, including the protection of American citizens from illegal drugs and individuals who would do us harm. The United States is a nation of laws, applied broadly and evenly, with no person outside their reach. If any of us break the law, we face consequences. Our society and legal system rely on these consequences to discourage widespread crime.