Oklahoma Republican Senator, James Lankford, who is leading the GOP's negotiations on a potential border deal in the Senate, has responded to critics of the proposed agreement. Addressing concerns raised by Senator Ted Cruz and others, Lankford clarified that the rumors circulating about the deal are inaccurate and that it would be absurd to agree to allowing 5,000 people a day into the country.
Lankford emphasized that the focus of the proposed deal is on reducing illegal border crossings to zero. The bill does not include any provisions for amnesty. Instead, it aims to increase the number of Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, and detention beds to expedite the process of detaining and deporting individuals. The bill also aims to end the practice of catch and release, increase deportation flights, and implement a more efficient asylum process.
Regarding the misconception surrounding the '5,000 people a day' threshold, Lankford clarified that the bill is not designed to allow a set number of individuals into the country each day. Rather, it establishes a mechanism to shut down the border when there is a significant surge in border crossings. This measure is meant to intervene in the current administration's policies and prevent unauthorized entries, with the ultimate goal of reducing illegal crossings to zero.
Lankford refuted further rumors that the proposed deal would open the gates for 3,750 people a day for two weeks before closing again. He reiterated that the focus of the bill is on processing and deporting individuals quickly, rather than releasing them into the country. The intention is to create a more enforceable and effective border security system that halts illegal crossings.
In response to concerns raised by Senator Mike Lee about work permits, Lankford emphasized that the proposed deal seeks to tighten the requirements for obtaining work permits. Currently, the Biden administration is granting work permits to individuals who simply show up at the ports of entry or apply for asylum, without a rigorous evaluation process. The proposed bill aims to end these practices and ensure that work permits are only granted to individuals who have undergone a thorough and legitimate evaluation.
Lankford justified the need for a comprehensive border security solution, arguing that it is the constitutional obligation of every lawmaker to secure the country. He highlighted instances where individuals on the terror watch list and potential national security risks have crossed the border, emphasizing the urgency of taking action.
Overall, Lankford expressed the necessity to address the current border crisis and provide the tools needed to enforce border security effectively. He rejected the notion that the proposed deal would allow a large number of individuals into the country, asserting that it aims to tighten security measures and prevent unauthorized entries.
