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This week, I took my third trip this year to our Southern border. During each visit, I learn about a new challenge faced by our border patrol agents and how Congress can fix it. The situation at the border is dire and it truly is a crisis. The solutions that border patrol agents give me, however, are clear and could be enacted by Congress immediately. Our agents need better technology, strategically placed wall and faster turnover in our immigration courts so as to not overcrowd the holding facilities.
The supplemental border funding bill passed by Congress earlier this year helped, but that was only a temporary fix. House Democratic leadership has been either unwilling or unable (due to the power of the extreme left-wing of the party) to bring these solutions to a vote on the House floor. To exist, a country needs clearly defined borders and immigration laws that are enforced. We have not been holding up the second part of that bargain.
For example, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a program called Alternative to Detention (ATD). Criminal illegal immigrants are kept in ICE holding facilities until the date of their trial. Illegal immigrants in the ATD program are let out into the community, meaning they now live in the United States, and are required to check in with ICE every so often, much like someone on parole. Due to the volume of people illegally crossing the border, people can be in the ATD anywhere between 3-5 years before their case comes to trial. Currently, 17 percent of people who enroll in the ATD program "cut and run" to live illegally in our country. Additionally, due to the high number of people crossing the border, some people who have been enrolled in the ATD program are set free to make room for new enrollees. What happens to the illegal immigrants after they are removed from the ATD program to make room for another person? Well, nothing. They just live in the United States now. The ATD program was born out of necessity and clearly needs to be reexamined.
The odds are stacked against them, with ill-equipped border patrol agents and many agents being forced to process illegal immigrants instead of actually patrolling the border. But these hard-working men and women wake up every day with the goal to keep our country safe from the criminals, guns and drugs coming across the border, while doing the absolute best they can to treat each human who comes across with dignity. The reports that illegal immigrants are drinking out of toilets and kids are being kept in dog cages is simply not the truth. These people are given food, clean water, access to medical care and adequate shelter. Children are transferred to holding facilities that resemble boarding schools, where they are fed, clothed and even go to school until they can be reunited with their family members.
Here are some pictures from my trip.
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When the House is in-session, we are in Washington having committee hearings, policy meetings and briefings, voting on bills, among other things. When Congress is out-of-session, each member has the chance to go back to his or her district to stay in touch with the people who elected them.
Congress is out of session each August so members can work from their district, around the people who really know the issues. So, while I am back in Wisconsin every weekend and weekday that Congress is not in session, I will be back for the entire month of August for our yearly district work period.
I believe that the best representatives in government are citizens of the area represented, as I have been my whole life. Having the entire month back makes it easier to plan visits to local businesses and meetings with constituents in order to hear which issues are affecting them the most.
If you would like to meet with me or have me tour your facility in the district, please call my Fond du Lac office at 920-907-0624. |
National Park Month came to a close this Wednesday. Each July, when the weather is hot and the kids are out of school, we recognize the beautiful parks our country has to offer. I made it out to several parks this month, including Village Park for North Fondy Fest and Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac for Walleye Weekend.
North Fondy Fest in Village Park
Walleye Weekend at Lakeside Park
This summer, I hope you were able to enjoy all of the great parks and natural attractions the 6th District has to offer. If not, there's still time!
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This week, I had the opportunity to assess the immigration facilities at the El Paso Bridge in Texas alongside my colleagues and CBP. It is important that we acknowledge the situation on the ground, while ultimately remaining loyal to our commitment to secure our border.
After being briefed on passenger processing procedures and the importance of these military nets that safeguard border patrol agents, it is evident that we must implement a more streamlined immigration process.
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in Manitowoc is one of the great businesses that keeps Wisconsin's Sixth District's manufacturing strong.
During the Breakfast at the Barn in Manitowoc, we learned about Culver's "Thank you Farmers Program", which supports sustainable agriculture as well as the Future Farmers of America.
I was honored to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at Concordia University Wisconsin's Plaster Center for Free Enterprise beside University president Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry. This Center will foster the development of business and health care students, who will lead us forward into the future.
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As your congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the 6th District.
You can also stay up-to-the-minute by following me on Facebook (Congressman Glenn Grothman), Twitter (@RepGrothman) and Instagram (@RepGlennGrothman).
Sincerely,
Member of Congress |
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