Today Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement after supporting H.R. 6136, the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act:

“We need a compassionate solution that better secures our border, transitions us to a merit-based immigration system, reinforces the rule of law by stopping ‘catch and release,’ and provides our DACA youth with a legal status. This legislation ensures families are not separated and provides a permanent solution for DACA youth by allowing them to apply for a six-year indefinitely renewable contingent nonimmigrant legal status. It also combats asylum fraud and provides funds for enhancements to border security. This bill would also speed up the immigration court trial to avoid a lengthy, costly detention period, eliminating the risk of detainees failing to show up to an immigration hearing if they are allowed to post bond and leave immigration facilities.

It is disheartening that some of my colleagues did not vote for this bill that secures our border and ensures children are not ripped from their parents when crossing into the United States. It is Congress’ duty to pass legislation that fixes our broken immigration system. The inability to compromise hurts our country, our security, our DACA youth, and our legal immigration, and diminishes the view of Congress in the eyes of the American people. We should expect and demand more. I certainty do. In this case, perfection was the enemy of progress."