Rep. Johnson introduces measure to bolster border safety

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) has introduced a pair of bills designed to strengthen border security and protection.

“America is the most compassionate nation in the world, but our immigration system is broken,” Johnson, who serves on the House Judiciary Committee, said. “Reforming that system is a job for Congress, and any balanced legislative approach has to include measures to strengthen border security. These bills will help make our southern border less porous and help ensure that our asylum system is reserved for those truly seeking refuge in America from violence or persecution.”

The Securing Our Borders and Wilderness Act would close a Wilderness Act loophole barring border security officials from entering certain designated wilderness areas. The loophole has left approximately 96 miles of the southern border free of law enforcement.

The Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act aids the process of ensuring the domestic asylum system is not abused, reserved only for persons legitimately fleeing persecution or imminent harm in their home countries.

“To date, the White House has yet to offer any proposals for Congress to consider that would improve border security, so it will be up to Republicans in Congress to make sure that this key element of immigration reform is represented in any future legislative package,” Johnson said.