Border Security and Immigration

Mike is the grandson of Mexican immigrants on his mother’s side. Having not graduated high school themselves, his grandparents sent all five of their daughters to college. At age 50, his grandfather, Rosendo Bringas, became an American citizen, and it was among the proudest days of his life.

Mike wants to preserve the values and aspirations of so many immigrants like his grandparents, who dream of the uniquely American opportunity for self-improvement. Mike believes that immigrants should be treated with dignity and respect.

At the same time, Mike believes we have real problems at the southern border and a broken immigration system that demands Democrats and Republicans work together in good faith to deliver solutions. Unfortunately, far too many in Congress prefer to politicize the issue as an electoral strategy rather than find common ground.

This is particularly true of MAGA Republicans who recently tanked the bipartisan border security deal negotiated at the beginning of 2024 in order to appease former President Trump. While far from perfect, Mike supports the bipartisan deal as a thoughtful step forward that provides much needed resources to federal law enforcement, helps crack down on fentanyl trafficking, and addresses the unacceptable backlog in asylum processing.

While passing border security legislation won’t be easy if MAGA Republicans continue to stand in the way, Mike will keep fighting for border security and immigration legislation that addresses the challenges we face. Nothing can get done in divided government unless members of Congress work together in good faith and are willing to compromise.

In addition to the bipartisan border security deal, Mike is a cosponsor of H.R. 3599, commonly referred to as the DIGNITY Act, which is the most promising bipartisan, comprehensive immigration and border legislation in recent memory. It would address border security challenges, provide a solution for undocumented immigration, and strengthen our workforce. The bill affirms that we must treat those coming to the United States looking for better opportunities with dignity and respect.

Mike believes our federal law enforcement personnel must have adequate staff and resources to address challenges at the border.

During his time in Congress, Mike visits the border regularly. These visits have reaffirmed his belief that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol need additional resources to create smarter, more effective border security measures. He has consistently supported strong funding for CBP and Border Patrol in yearly appropriations, and will continue to advocate for improved border infrastructure and more personnel.

Mike has also led efforts to ensure that our border technology meets the moment and better prepares us for the future. Specifically, he has secured funding for technology that would improve how Border Patrol seizes contraband such as fentanyl and other illegal opioids.

Mike has led requests for additional federal assistance for local organizations that provide short-term shelter, food, and other essential resources to asylum seekers, keeping them off the street and ensuring they are treated with dignity.

Mike proudly cosponsored the American Dream and Promise Act to protect DACA recipients, many of whom serve in our military, on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, or make incredible contributions to our country in other ways.

Mike cosponsored several pieces of legislation to prevent family separation at the border and help families who had been separated reunite, including the Keep Families Together Act, the Reuniting Families Act, and the REUNITE Act.

He also cosponsored the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act, and the Homeland Security Improvement Act. Mike opposed efforts to ban entry into the United States on the basis of race or religion and cosponsored the NO BAN Act.

Ultimately, Mike believes that members of both parties need to come together on comprehensive immigration reform, including stronger border security policies, asylum process reforms, and an earned path to citizenship.