Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García’s Statement on Situation at the Southern Border

Washington, DC— Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García issued the following statement in response to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan's claims that the southern border is at a "breaking point":

"I was heartbroken this morning when I saw the dramatic images of children held in cages at our southern border. The current situation proves the only crisis that exists at the border is a humanitarian crisis. President Trump's obsession with building an ineffective wall has prevented this administration from offering realistic solutions to this challenge.

"We need a humane strategy to review the cases of migrants who are fleeing violence and poverty in Central America. I have called on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to explain how they plan to address the backlog in processing applications. These delays force asylum seekers to wait two to five years before they can even see a judge. And these are only the ones lucky enough to be able to submit an application.

"In addition, this Administration has withheld funds appropriated by Congress to improve the security and economic situation in the countries in the Northern Triangle of Central America, prompting more families to leave the region. I will call on the Department of State to report on why the delivery of U.S. assistance to Central America is being delayed.

"The cruel conditions these migrants, including thousands of children, are facing go against our values as a country. We must hold this Administration accountable for the humanitarian crisis it has created."

A video of Congressman García discussing this issue can be found on this link.