Heinrich Statement On Biden Visit To U.S.-Mexico Border

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit to El Paso, Texas, where the president will discuss new border enforcement actions by the administration:

"Immigration and border security are not abstract policy issues for us in New Mexico. They are our realities.

"We are a nation of laws, and our immigration laws are badly in need of repair.  For too long, legal pathways for immigration were blocked and under-resourced, all while the root causes of mass migration were ignored. 

"I’m encouraged by President Biden’s commitment to surge resources to the border, and by Vice President Harris’ focus on addressing the violence that causes so many to flee their home countries. I will continue to do my part to ensure that Congress works with the Biden administration to reform our immigration system and create an orderly process at our border that is secure, safe, and humane. 

"For years, I have emphasized the need for any administration to coordinate directly with local and state border governments and NGOs who are on the front lines. I have also secured resources for smart border security and investments to increase economic opportunities around our ports of entry. Last year, I helped pass a new law to crack down on the trafficking of guns out of the United States - guns that had been fueling violence in Mexico and the Northern Triangle. As the Biden administration focuses resources on the border, we must prioritize prosecuting drug and firearm trafficking. 

"We need less political jabs and more solutions at our border. It is past time to bring both sides of the aisle to the table to get the job done. New Mexicans are eager for a solution, immigrants deserve a solution, and our economy requires a solution."