NEWARK, NJ – A veteran U.S. Democrat Senator from New Jersey who has repeatedly expressed concerns over President Joe Biden’s immigration policies is speaking out today.
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez unveiled his recommendations for managing migration and refugees in the Western Hemisphere. The Menendez Plan provides the Biden Administration with a sustainable and structural response to migration in the region that will reduce pressure on the U.S. southwest border.
Many of the asylum seekers and illegal border crossers end up in the New York and New Jersey tri-state area.
“For the last year, I have repeatedly expressed concerns over the Biden Administration’s decision to implement short-term deterrence policies that fail to address the cycle of irregular migration at our southwest border,” said Sen. Menendez. “My plan provides a set of policies that will secure our borders without sacrificing our domestic and legal obligations to asylum seekers by working with partners in the region to give people alternative options to illegal smuggling networks. This plan largely includes policies that President Biden can pursue without Congress, until Republicans decide to come to the table and help the administration manage the current challenge.”
Menendez calls for new legal pathways to citizenship for foreigners and to increase resources for asylum seekers in America. He also wants to see migrants better cared for and integrated once they cross the Rio Grande River.
Menendez’ plan also criticizes the Murphy administration’s soft policy on transnational criminal organizations engaging in human trafficking across the border.