Securing America’s borders is a chief function of the federal government and is crucial to providing a safe environment for our citizens. As a member of the Air National Guard, I work with Customs and Border Protection officers on our southwest border and know firsthand how an unsecure border jeopardizes the security of our country.

I am committed to strengthening our border security, better enforcing our immigration laws, and targeting dangerous gangs such as MS-13. This can be done through physical and virtual barriers—including the use of reconnaissance drone aircraft, security cameras, and other technological instruments that help U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents effectively respond to border incursions. Below are just a few of the legislative measures I have supported in Congress to protect our communities:

• H.R. 3219, Make America Secure Appropriations Act, which fully funds President Trump’s $1.6 billion request to start construction on the border wall.  
• H.R. 3004, Kate’s Law, which enhances penalties for individuals who were removed from the United States and unlawfully return.
• H.R. 3003, No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, which strengthens the law to combat dangerous sanctuary city policies that shield criminal, unlawful immigrants from federal immigration enforcement.
• H.R. 3548, the Border Security for America Act, which includes provisions that would incorporate significant technological advances in the mission to secure the border, such as sensors and mobile vehicle surveillance.
• Inclusion of Citizenship Question on 2020 Census – This question will provide a more accurate picture of those living within our borders.

When it comes to reform, we must be able to have a discussion about how people living here illegally can come out of the shadows to pay taxes, learn English, and contribute to the system from which they currently benefit. The United States is a nation made up of immigrants and I support commonsense updates to the laws and regulations by which people legally enter our country. However, in order to address comprehensive immigration reform in a meaningful way, we must ensure our borders are secure.