The United States has a broken immigration system that weakens our national security and leaves families in legal limbo. We need bipartisan, comprehensive reform to secure our southern border and bring order to our immigration system. That’s why I’ve worked across the aisle to support funding for stronger border measures, including investments in better border patrol technology between ports of entry, fentanyl detection devices and child welfare professionals at the border.
- During my first term, I was proud to vote in favor of legislation to add 22,000 new Border Patrol agents and helped secure more than $280 million for border security.
- I’ve advocated for increased federal funding to address the flow of deadly, illicit fentanyl that is exacerbating the opioid crisis in nearly every American community — including in Central and Southern Illinois.
- In 2024, I visited the U.S.-Mexico border with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to see firsthand the gaps in needed resources and personnel to help stem the tide of illegal migration into the country.
Strengthening border security and reforming our immigration system also means streamlining a path to legal status for those who come here through the proper channels and want to support our economy and contribute to our communities. I believe children should be included in this as well – who are so often brought into this country under the age of 5 and have known no other home.
- I’ve cosponsored the American Dream and Promise Act, which would create a path to citizenship for Dreamers.
