Ocean County Leader

Smith to chair hearing on Friday, will probe top Biden official tasked with combating human trafficking on situation at southern border

With a record-setting 10,300 migrants apprehended at the US Southern Border earlier this week, Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) on May 11 voted for critical legislation to secure the border as President Biden allows the emergency immigration measure known as Title 42 to expire.

            Title 42 had given federal officials expanded authority to expedite the removal of those who cross the border illegally and pose a serious risk to public health—which could include the trafficking of women and children, or the dangerous levels of fentanyl being smuggled into the country.

            “The removal of Title 42—which has enabled law enforcement officials to swiftly remove apprehended migrants—will only continue to exacerbate the worsening humanitarian emergency along our southern border,” said Smith, who has voted more than 90 times to construct border security barriers.

            “The surging crisis caused by President Biden’s open border policies requires that Title 42 remains in place until the Administration can achieve operational control over the border,” said Smith, who cosponsored the Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act, which would expand Title 42 for the purpose of combating the deadly amount of fentanyl pouring across the border.

            “President Biden’s disastrous border policies constitute a grave national security and humanitarian crisis that continues to put the lives of so many at risk,” said Smith.

            “While our Nation continues its longstanding tradition to welcome those in search of a better life for them and their families, we must ensure that our immigration policies do not jeopardize the safety of the American people,” Smith said.

Original source can be found here.