CHC Chair Barragán Statement on Senate Border Deal Text

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) released the following statement in response to the Senate Border Deal text included in the Senate National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act: 

“From what I have read so far, the Senate negotiated deal to address our challenges at the border fails to meet the moment. There are some good provisions in the bill. However, there are many more that are not in line with our values, take away due process safeguards in our asylum system, could make matters worse at the Southern Border, and more importantly, fail to include protections and legal pathways for our Dreamers or the greater undocumented community that calls America home. 

“This was not a negotiation and the final product shows that. I know it was a challenge to get there, since Republicans continue to hold hostage any funding requested by the President to address challenges at the Southern Border and critical funding for our allies. But we cannot just throw up our hands and accept bad immigration policies that gut asylum and could set back real bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform ten to fifteen years, for temporary aid.

“As I have said from the start, combining border and immigration policy changes with foreign aid was a mistake. Additionally, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus was not invited, included, or consulted on the provisions and compromises that were made in this bill.  Imagine a civil rights or criminal justice bill negotiated without the Congressional Black Caucus at the table. That would not happen – rightfully so. The CHC has been the lead voice in Congress on this issue.  Our Members represent many of the communities, families, and individuals most impacted by this issue. We are immigrants, the children of immigrants, and represent large immigrant communities and would provide unique and necessary insights and perspectives.  

“Our immigration system is broken. We have challenges at our border that need to be addressed. We stand ready to work on these issues and make tough compromises where necessary.”

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