In a recent interview, Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez called for the deployment of more judges to the border in order to address asylum cases more efficiently. Gonzalez emphasized the need to enforce existing immigration laws by ensuring that individuals have their cases heard within days, rather than waiting for years. He argued that, in most cases, nine out of ten people fleeing to the United States do not qualify for asylum as they are escaping economic persecution rather than political or religious persecution. According to Gonzalez, these individuals should be promptly deported, as was done during the administrations of both President Trump and President Obama.
Expressing his concern about the current situation, Gonzalez explained that no amount of funding would resolve the crisis at hand. He called for immigration judges to be stationed at the border to hear asylum cases expeditiously, asserting that this would signal to the world that the border is closed. Gonzalez cited his previous meeting with Mexican President Lopez Obrador and stressed the importance of tangible results rather than mere discussions.
Since President Joe Biden assumed office, over 7.1 million individuals have crossed the U.S. border illegally, surpassing the population of 35 states and accounting for approximately 70 percent of all states. Gonzalez questioned why this staggering number has not prompted President Biden to take action. He suggested that the current administration may view this influx as a policy win, but emphasized that the majority of Americans do not share this sentiment. He further voiced his concerns about the sustainability of this trend and pondered what the situation may look like in 2024.
Gonzalez stressed the role of Congress in addressing the border crisis, calling for accountability from the administration. He announced plans to host Speaker Johnson and over 60 Republican colleagues for discussions with border leaders in Eagle Pass. He expressed the necessity for the administration to fulfill its responsibilities and enforce existing laws. Additionally, Gonzalez highlighted the power of the purse by emphasizing that meaningful border solutions must be formulated before any funding is provided.
As the interview concluded, Gonzalez reiterated his desire for the administration to fulfill its duties and ensure the safety of all Americans. He emphasized that real, tangible solutions are needed to secure the border and protect the nation from potential threats. Gonzalez stated that the House had initiated discussions with the passage of H.R. 2, but urged the administration to take further action to address the ongoing crisis.
In summary, Congressman Tony Gonzalez called for the swift adjudication of asylum cases by deploying more judges to the border. He emphasized the need for strong enforcement of existing immigration laws and prompt deportation of those who do not qualify for asylum. Gonzalez expressed concerns about the current influx of individuals crossing the border illegally and called for meaningful actions to address the issue and ensure the safety of all Americans.
