House Republicans Demand Review of Immigration Policies After Fatal Attack
House Republicans are pushing for a closer examination of the U.S. immigration system following a tragic incident in which one National Guard soldier was killed and another seriously injured by Afghan refugees.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) expressed his long-standing concerns about immigration policies during a recent discussion, stating, “I’ve thought that for a long time. I wish we had done it in 2018. We should have done it in 2016, 2018, 2020.”
Several Republican lawmakers have pointed fingers at immigrants and refugees who have been admitted to the U.S. under the Biden administration, highlighting the alleged perpetrator who entered the country through “Operation Welcoming Allies” after the military exit from Afghanistan in 2021.
Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., criticized the Biden administration’s decisions following the Afghan withdrawal, calling them potentially catastrophic. “What we need to rethink is… who we need to let into our country and who we need to kick out of our country,” she stated.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-Florida) took a strong stance on both legal and illegal immigration, saying, “First of all, we have all illegal immigrants, but even legal immigrants, we have allowed people who hate this country to become legal.” He believes it’s time to send them all back.
Other lawmakers, like Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) and Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), noted that while immigration can benefit the U.S., a more nuanced approach is necessary. “We’ve needed fundamental reform for decades,” McCormick remarked, emphasizing the need for a flexible immigration system that adapts to current needs in various sectors.
Scott mentioned that legal immigration is valuable but must be contingent on individuals being ready to integrate and share American values. “We shouldn’t admit people who don’t share our interests and values,” he asserted. He further illustrated his point by drawing a parallel between individual behaviors in different states.
In reaction to the shootings, the Trump administration has promised to temporarily halt entry from 19 countries deemed security risks. “This heinous atrocity reminds us that there is no greater national security priority than having complete control over the people who enter and remain in our country,” President Trump stated in comments after the incident.
