EC Georgia News

On May 11, 2023, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, legislation to curb illegal immigration and secure our border. After voting in support of the bill, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

“We are facing an unprecedented national security and humanitarian crisis at our southern border. Since President Biden took office, more than 1.3 million illegal immigrants have evaded apprehension, CBP has seized over 38,000 pounds of fentanyl, and there have been over 5 million encounters at the southern border. This Administration’s reckless and ineffective immigration policies have led to complete chaos, and with the expiration of Title 42 mere hours away, this crisis will only worsen in the coming days.

“Today, with the passage of H.R. 2, House Republicans are delivering on our promise to keep our nation safe by voting to address this Biden-inflicted disaster. Our bill has two simple yet fundamental goals: securing the border and curbing illegal immigration. Border security is national security and it's long past time for this Administration to step up and work with Congress on meaningful immigration solutions.”

Specifically, the Secure the Border Act will:

• Force the Biden Administration to restart construction of the border wall;
• Deploy technology to the southern and northern border;
• Increase the number of Border Patrol agents and provide bonus pay;
• Require transparency regarding illegal crossings from the Department of Homeland Security;
• Strengthen current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking;
• End catch and release;
• End abuse of executive immigration authority, and;
• Strengthen and streamline the asylum process