President Biden has an optics problem. Like former President Donald Trump, he wants to convince the public that he cares about stopping illegal immigration. But allowing millions of migrants to descend on our cities is not very convincing. So, like Trump, he now plans to build a wall. A wall is big and flashy but accomplishes little other than impressing the gullible. Like Trump, Biden ignores the solution recommended by experts for decades: go after the employers by requiring them to use the E-Verify system.

Fortunately, a potential game changer is awaiting a Senate vote. The Secure the Border Act, H.R. 2, would expedite decisions for legitimate asylum seekers by weeding out economic migrants claiming persecution; eliminating the loopholes that incentivize traffickers to include children in border crossings, and ending the wholesale misuse use of parole. And, finally, make E-Verify a requirement.

All we need is for a handful of Democrats and independents (looking at you, Sen. Angus King) to put country before party and co-sponsor this bill. The migrants are rational actors; they won’t undergo the costs and risks if they can’t get the jobs. Biden would get full credit, pulling the rug out from under Trump. And Americans would finally get a lawful immigration system.

Jonette Christian
Holden

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