Rep. Scholten Statement on Biden Immigration Executive Order

 “Our immigration system is deeply broken. As an attorney who has worked on immigration issues for 20 years, including enforcing our nation’s immigration laws at the U.S. Department of Justice, I recognize how dire and urgent the need is to fix this system. Ultimately, this is Congress’ problem to fix. At the heart of this matter is that our immigration system has not had a comprehensive update in almost 40 years– that inaction has created a national security disaster, an economic nightmare, and a humanitarian crisis. While we want the President taking action where possible, Executive action can only do so much. We had a bipartisan plan to address the border crisis, and Republicans threw it away for the sake of their political talking points.

“We need to reform our immigration system here in Congress, including our asylum system. The bipartisan Dignity Act does just that–by adding additional border patrol agents, establishing in-country asylum application centers, and creating additional pathways for job-seekers to come here legally. And while those who exploit our asylum system or violate our nation’s immigration laws must be held accountable, we have to do so in a way that still enables legitimate asylum seekers to get the protection they need. We can, and we must, have an immigration system that is just, fair, efficient and humane. I’m as committed as ever to that goal.”