Rep. Jeff Van Drew Questions Funding for 'Illegal Criminal Aliens' in House Judiciary Hearing

Concerns Over Border Security and Illegal Immigration

• 💡 Representative Jeff Van Drew expresses strong disapproval of open borders, sanctuary cities, and sanctuary states.
• ⚠️ He highlights the release of individuals, including those convicted of serious crimes like rape on minors, murder, and drug dealing, back into communities.
• 🎯 Van Drew asserts that the previous administration allowed such individuals to enter the U.S., a practice he believes is detrimental.

Congressional Responsibility and Rule of Law

• ⚖️ Van Drew questions witnesses on whether members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, have an added level of responsibility to comport themselves lawfully and uphold the rule of law.
• ✅ All witnesses affirmed their belief in this principle and their own attempts to act accordingly.

Financial Implications of Immigration Policies

• 💰 The discussion shifts to the financial impact on American taxpayers of funding individuals in the U.S. illegally.
• ❓ Van Drew directly asks if it is inappropriate to fund illegal immigrants, including those who are also criminals.
• 💳 Witnesses confirmed that in the past administration, resources such as housing, clothing, transportation, education, and even debit cards were provided to illegal criminal aliens.

Critique of Past and Present Immigration Legislation

• 📜 Van Drew criticizes a specific Senate bill, calling it a "bad bill" that would have codified illegal aliens and allowed significant numbers to enter the country without adequate measures.
• 🚫 He argues the bill failed to address critical issues like "catch and release," border wall construction, and the "remain in Mexico" policy.
• 🗣️ Van Drew suggests that the Biden administration could have achieved better border protection through presidential action rather than relying on flawed legislation.
• 📉 A witness concedes that there were "mistakes" and a "bad job" done by the Biden administration at the beginning, acknowledging that they "screwed up."