US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) filed a bill to gut federal aid for programs he alleges are incentivizing illegal immigration.
Representative Balart’s bill is an amendment to the 2025 appropriations bill for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and related programs.
Balart introduced the bill during a hearing in the Appropriations Subcommittee on State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies.
After claiming the ongoing border crisis is solely President Joe Biden’s fault, Balart went on to explain his bill’s intent.
“The reason for the crisis at the southern border can be explained in two words: Joe Biden,” said Balart. “My FY25 State & Foreign Ops funding bill addresses the #BidenBorderCrisis by prohibiting taxpayer dollars from being used for programs that promote illegal migration.”
The reason for the crisis at the southern border can be explained in two words: Joe Biden.
🇺🇸My FY25 State & Foreign Ops funding bill addresses the #BidenBorderCrisis by prohibiting taxpayer dollars from being used for programs that promote illegal migration.
We must enforce… pic.twitter.com/Q1DH82pOub
— Mario Díaz-Balart (@MarioDB) June 27, 2024
Such programs, continued Balart, spur illegal immigration by gifting illegal immigrants cash cards and other forms of assistance during their journey to enter the US illegally.
Other forms of targeted assistance, explained Balart, would be dispersing geographic information to immigrants seeking to reach the US.
The US has experienced a historic rise in the number of illegal immigrants entering the country through the southern border.
Since President Biden assumed office, an estimated 7.2 million migrants entered the country illegally.
New illegal immigrant arrivals add to the already 10.5 million illegal immigrants already present in the US, according to 2023 Pew Research data.
In light of the gargantuan magnitude of the US’ illegal immigration crisis, some have called for a wholesale reform of the US’ entire immigration system.
US Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) has proposed the ‘Dignity Act,’ which would reform laws regarding border security, asylum claims, illegal immigration, agricultural competitiveness, and the US’ domestic workforce.
