Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, addressed the Senate floor today to discuss the escalating national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Thune emphasized the need for a comprehensive border security package that includes reforms to the asylum and parole systems to address the failures of President Biden's immigration policies.

Thune began by highlighting the alarming number of encounters at the southern border in December, stating, "302,000. That's how many migrants U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reported to have encountered at our southern border in December." He emphasized the magnitude of this number by comparing it to the population of several states, illustrating the scale of the crisis.

The senator expressed his concern about the unsustainable situation at the border, noting that the country has experienced three consecutive years of record-breaking illegal immigration under President Biden. Thune warned that if the current trend continues, a fourth record-breaking year is likely. He pointed out the strain on Border Patrol and border towns, as well as the challenges faced by major cities dealing with an influx of migrants. Thune cited the example of New York City, which is facing cuts to city services, including a significant reduction in its police force, due to the migrant crisis.

While the practical challenges posed by the immigration crisis are significant, Thune emphasized the even greater national security challenges. He argued that the country cannot be secure while hundreds of thousands of migrants are crossing the southern border each month, many of whom are released into the United States with court dates years into the future. Thune expressed concern about individuals who enter the country without being apprehended, stating, "Since October 1 alone, there have been more than 83,000 known gotaways at our southern border – individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend. That's 83,000 individuals making their way into our country without our having the slightest idea of who they are, what they're doing here, or where in the United States they're planning to travel."

Thune emphasized the existence of dangerous individuals attempting to enter the country, citing alarming statistics. He stated, "Between October and November alone, the Border Patrol arrested 30 individuals on the terrorist watchlist attempting to make their way across our southern border. Fiscal year 2023 saw 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist arrested at our southern border." He expressed concern about the trajectory of these numbers, emphasizing the need for operational control of the southern border.

Thune acknowledged that Democrats have finally come to the table to discuss needed reforms, but he stressed that only meaningful and effective reforms would be acceptable. He stated, "We owe the American people a secure border – and we will not agree to anything less than real reforms." Thune specifically called for reforms to the asylum and parole systems, which he argued have been abused under the Biden administration. He criticized the asylum system for becoming a process for migrants to stay and work in the United States, irrespective of the validity of their claims. He also highlighted the abuse of the parole system, which has allowed hundreds of thousands of individuals without legal status to reside temporarily in the country.

In closing, Thune expressed his hope for an agreement on border security reform, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He stated, "We've had three years of the Biden border crisis. Let's make sure we don't have a fourth." Thune concluded by yielding the floor.

The senator's remarks highlight the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to address the worsening crisis at the southern border. He emphasizes the need for operational control, national security, and meaningful reforms to the asylum and parole systems. Thune's call for action underscores the urgency of the situation and the importance of securing the border to protect the American people.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7C610DC7-9928-48B3-BD4F-E3CF4DB5996B