In recent discussions regarding border security, the White House has emphasized the need for increased funding to support additional border agents and enforcement measures. While this proposal may seem promising, critics, including Governor Kevin Stitt, have expressed skepticism about its effectiveness in ensuring robust enforcement.
Concerns were raised about the perceived lack of stringent provisions in the Senate's proposed plan, with opponents highlighting potential loopholes such as work permits that could attract individuals to enter the country under the proposed framework.
Governor Stitt underscored the importance of addressing one issue at a time to formulate a comprehensive plan. Drawing from his firsthand experiences visiting the border alongside Governor Abbott, he pointed out that there are already 28 designated ports of entry where entry into the country is legally permitted under federal law.
However, Governor Stitt noted a concerning trend where individuals are entering the country outside of these designated ports and upon setting foot on U.S. soil, are being granted access to various services with minimal scrutiny. This leniency, he argued, contributes to the strain on the court system, with significant delays in processing cases leading to extended wait periods of up to five to seven years.
Despite acknowledging the complexities of the issue and the influence of politics in decision-making processes, Governor Stitt emphasized the importance of practical solutions. He highlighted the collaborative efforts among governors to address border security challenges, advocating for a unified approach to resolve the issue at hand before moving on to consider state-based work visas to cater to the needs of local communities and workers.
