Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement on the U.S. immigration system and family separations, as well as the two pieces of immigration legislation expected to be considered in the House on Thursday:

“There is no doubt that the U.S. immigration system is broken and in need of fixing. The Bush and Obama administrations were presented with one border crisis after another, and the current administration is no different, demonstrating that our broken immigration system doesn’t discern between any one administration or any one political party.

“It is imperative that we need stronger border security, but it cannot be at the expense of compassion for those seeking entry in the United States. This is why, as I have said repeatedly, I believe that families should be kept together in a humane and coordinated effort and should not be separated while their cases are being adjudicated.

“On Thursday, I look forward to supporting legislation that seeks to provide immediate relief for families separated on the border while helping to better secure our borders with appropriate resources to protect our citizens - including manpower, technology, and structures. These bills support the ‘four pillars’ of immigration reform outlined earlier this year by the Trump Administration. They also include an equitable solution for DACA children, funded border security enhancements, ending the diversity lottery system, and moving our annual admissions to a merit-based system.

“During my four visits to the southwest border, I learned that these are the minimal components needed to improve our immigration system and that much more needs to be done.”

Click here to read my April 2018 op-ed that followed my most recent trip to the southwest border.