Statement From Rep. Engel on President’s Executive Orders on Immigration

Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on today’s executive orders from the President:

“Today’s announcements from the White House – a $20 billion border wall, a pledge to snatch funding from cities and states that oppose the President’s agenda, and a threat to ‘unapologetically’ detain and deport undocumented people – are the first steps down a dangerous path. We’ve heard a number of ominous promises like these from President Trump throughout the last 18 months. But today’s actions prove the President is undeterred in pursuing this anti-immigrant track, and all Americans should be worried by it.

“The President’s proposals will not improve America’s immigration system, nor will they help ease any of America’s economic or security concerns. A border wall won’t make us safer when the vast majority of undocumented immigrants come into the country by airplane. Taking away billions in funding from America’s largest cities won’t create jobs. Rounding up ethnic minorities suspected of being undocumented won’t ‘restore law and order.’ Yes, the current immigration system has problems. But we need commonsense, comprehensive reform, not policy that plays to people’s fears.

“Americans across the country have to stay strong in the face of these dangerous ideas. If we speak out and stand by our values, we can make it clear that we won’t let America continue down this ill-conceived path.”