Menendez on Border

Senator Menendez responded to the recently announced Border Deal agreement in the Senate, expressing strong dissatisfaction. He criticized the so-called 'bipartisan' negotiations, claiming that the deal, deemed unacceptable, was reached without providing meaningful input from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Despite assurances of involvement in the process, Senate leadership allegedly reneged on their commitment.

Senator Menendez voiced concern about the rushed advancement of the 400-page package without sufficient time for review. He emphasized the lack of explanation and consideration for the profound impact the bill could have on millions of migrants, asylum seekers, and immigrant families. He argued that such sweeping legislation should involve input from the most crucial stakeholders – immigrant communities and their representatives, likening it to the inconceivability of a voting rights deal without input from the Congressional Black Caucus.

As Senator Menendez delved into the specifics of the package, he criticized its permanent nature and absence of relief for the 12 million undocumented immigrants, including long-standing Dreamers or young children brought by their parents without fault of their own. He highlighted elements resembling an enforcement wish list from the Trump administration and expressed concerns about potential clashes with the fundamental principles of the asylum system. The trigger numbers outlined in the legislation were criticized for making it harder for asylum seekers to have their claims heard and possibly shutting down the border adjudication process altogether.

Senator Menendez contended that accepting the deal as presented would be a betrayal to the communities they have sworn to protect and represent. He drew attention to what he perceived as a double standard, suggesting that if such changes were proposed under the Trump administration, Democrats would be outraged. He stressed the need for a comprehensive immigration reform deal but expressed fear that the current package could worsen border issues and permanently alter the country's fabric.

Menendez called for thorough examination of the deal by all members of Congress before any votes are taken. He pledged unapologetic efforts to protect the millions of immigrants and asylum seekers potentially harmed by the deal, and he urged fellow Senators to join him in this endeavor.

While on the other side of the aisle, Speaker Mike Johnson pronounced the Senate Deal as DOA in the House, “I’ve seen enough. This bill is even worse than we expected, and won’t come close to ending the border catastrophe the President has created. As the lead Democrat negotiator proclaimed: Under this legislation, “the border never closes”