[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2384-H2385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1030
                      ENFORCE EXISTING BORDER LAWS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Allen) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, President Biden's radical open border agenda 
has resulted in the worst border crisis in our Nation's history.
  Since taking office, this administration's policies have led to over 
5 million encounters at our southern border; more than 1.3 million 
illegal immigrants have evaded apprehension; and CBP has seized over 
38,000 pounds of fentanyl. Yet, President Biden would have you believe 
that the border is secure.
  Exacerbating an already dire situation, in just the first 72 hours 
since title 42 ended, over 14,000 illegal aliens were apprehended.
  Title 42 was vital in curbing illegal immigration, allowing for swift 
deportation of anyone crossing our border illegally.
  While the administration continues to ignore this crisis, House 
Republicans have taken immediate action. I was proud to support H.R. 2, 
the Secure the Border Act, which passed the House last week. H.R. 2 
upholds Republicans' commitment to a nation that is safe and a border 
that is secure by restarting construction of the border wall, 
increasing Border Patrol agents,

[[Page H2385]]

strengthening the asylum process, and much more.
  The White House kept asking us, asking Congress, when are you going 
to pass legislation to address illegal immigration? Well, folks, the 
House passed it, H.R. 2. We have taken action. It is the most 
comprehensive immigration bill passed out of the House in over 40 
years.
  Democrats and President Biden need to wake up and obey the law, the 
current law. Constituents back home ask me, how is this happening? We 
have laws on the books.
  In other words, if you enter this country illegally, even if you 
prove asylum, you have to show up for a court date. Those court dates 
are some 5 to 10 years down the road now, but you have to show up for 
that court date. If you don't get the asylum ruling, you have to return 
to your home country for 10 years before you can enter this country 
legally again.
  These are laws that are on the books right now. In other words, you 
have to remain at the border and await that court date. Putting people 
out into this country and giving them free healthcare and other 
assistance is not in accordance with the current laws on the books.
  I will finish with this: Border security is national security. The 
President is the Commander in Chief. Let's fix this problem.

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