Reps. Vasquez and Salinas Denounce GOP Inaction on Immigration Reform and Border Security in Press Conference Following Recent Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a virtual press conference on Monday, April 15, 2024, U.S. Reps. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and Andrea Salinas (OR-06) discussed their resolution condemning Republican inaction on crucial immigration reform and border security measures. 

Last week, Vasquez led the introduction of a resolution in the House of Representatives, calling out Republicans for blocking common-sense immigration reform and border security actions for decades. U.S. Reps. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Pat Ryan (NY-18) and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) co-signed the resolution. 

“I’m in Congress to find solutions, not play political games. But for decades, Republicans have shown they would rather use our broken system as a political tool to divide the American people rather than solve the problem,” said Vasquez. “Even as we face urgent need for additional Customs and Border Protection officers, detention center oversight and modern border technology, we see partisanship block progress. That's why I introduced a resolution documenting these repeated obstructions and condemning Republican inaction on immigration reform and border security. This resolution calls for cooperation between federal, state and local authorities and urges full funding for essential resources at our borders.” 

“It’s now been almost 40 years since the last comprehensive immigration reforms were enacted. There is no excuse for this kind of delay, especially not now when we’re seeing a historic crisis at our southern border and families waiting in legal limbo for decades,” said Salinas. “As a leader in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to come to the table. Oregonians deserve to feel safe in their communities, and immigrant families who pay taxes and have been here, working hard, for years deserve permanent relief and certainty. I hope this resolution serves as a wakeup call, because we can get this done if we work together.”

During the conference, Vasquez and Salinas highlighted the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation to tackle the pressing challenges of the border and the failing immigration system. They discussed the harmful consequences of Republican inaction, which have hurt border communities like Sunland Park and Santa Teresa.  

Vasquez also addressed the dysfunction of the current Congress under far-right Republican leadership. He called for Republicans to put partisanship aside and find common-sense solutions to address immigration reform and border security challenges effectively.

Since day one, Vasquez has introduced meaningful, bipartisan legislation to address immigration and border security challenges. His package of bills includes: the Stop COYOTES Act to go after coyotes and cartels who continue to harm migrant women and children, the Smart Border Protection Act implements new technologies and improved port of entry infrastructure to stop the flow of fentanyl, the Humane Accountability Act to hold detention centers accountable, the Farm Workforce Support Act to create a pathway to H-2A visa reform for farm workers who sustain our agriculture industry and the Strengthening our Workforce Act that provides a pathway to residency for immigrants who work in critical jobs such as energy workers, teachers, health care workers.

Vasquez is committed to advocating for real change and pushing for common-sense, bipartisan solutions. He emphasized that border communities and the American people deserve nothing less.

###