Senator Cory Booker travelled to the U.S.-Mexico border, meeting with local immigration stakeholders, and gathering information about the situation facing migrants:
“My trip allowed me to assess the conditions at the Southern Border and reinforced my belief that we need urgent reform to modernize our immigration system. Unfortunately, Republican obstruction has prevented good faith discussions from taking place, exacerbating the difficult conditions that vulnerable migrants and families are facing.
“America is a nation of immigrants. This country has been built and shaped by those who have viewed it as a beacon of hope, and have come here fleeing terror, persecution, and violence in hopes of a better life. Our nation must live up to this history and enact immigration policies that reflect our most cherished values.
“As I return to Washington, I will continue to work with colleagues to advance commonsense policies that will address the root causes of migration, advance a more humane system for migrants and asylum seekers, and ease the challenges faced by our law enforcement personnel.”
As part of his trip, Booker crossed into Mexico via the Rio Grande Valley Region in Matamoros where he toured a migrant camp and met with local stakeholders. Booker hosted a discussion with Good Neighbor Settlement House, a provider that offers meals, basic hygiene and housing needs, outreach, and support services to migrants in Brownsville, and with Team Brownsville, an organization that provides support to asylum seekers in Matamoros and Reynosa, Mexico and offers assistance to families released from detention by U.S. authorities.
Booker also held meetings with law enforcement personnel, discussed economic prosperity and labor initiatives with stakeholders, and participated in a Black History Month Town Hall with consulate staff.
