Yoho Introduces Immigration Bill to Address Crisis

Washington, DC – Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL-03) introduced H.R. 5400 – the Border State Protection Act. This bill will enable governors of a border state to take necessary steps to establish operation control of their borders. It will also provide a protective legal umbrella - as they act within the parameters of this bill - from being held liable by the federal government for taking action.  Congressman Yoho gave the following statement after the bill was introduced. 

“The Obama administration has failed to achieve operational control of our southern border while simultaneously enticing individuals to make the dangerous journey to America. We have also seen our very own Attorney General sue a governor, who was trying to protect the state’s own citizens. Since when does the federal government sue a state for doing a job our government should be doing anyway?

“The governors of our southwest border states are bearing the brunt of the current immigration crisis, and they are receiving little if no help from the federal government. Essentially, the Administration has left them high and dry.  I believe we should empower our governors to take the necessary steps to deal with this crisis, which is on their doorstep. The bill I have introduced will accomplish this goal. 

“Due to the influx of people, the financial burden the states are incurring is substantial.  Under my bill, they will be able to submit a report to Congress detailing these incurred costs. The total costs in these reports will primarily be repaid to the border states directly from the Executive Office of the President and funds appropriated to the President.  The remaining amounts, if any, will be repaid from non-security foreign aid to Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Taxpayers should not have to bear the brunt of the President’s failed policies.

“The crisis on our southern border is not only a humanitarian issue, it is a national security issue as well. We must gain operational control of our borders. The states in the southwest United States are being overwhelmed. If the governors want to fill the leadership void left by the Administration, they should be able to do just that without being held to task by their own government.”

###
Congressman Ted Yoho serves on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees. He represents North Florida’s 3rd Congressional District