President Donald Trump promised to secure the southern border from the day he descended down the golden escalator in 2015, and his second administration has made border security one of its defining priorities. Since taking office again, illegal border crossings have fallen sharply as enforcement has intensified, reversing the record surge seen during the Biden administration.
But this change could crumble overnight if a future president reverted to Biden-era policy. The problem is that this shift brought on by the Trump administration is largely dependent on executive authority that can change at a moment’s notice. If Congress wants lasting border security instead of another cycle of policy whiplash, it should make today’s successful enforcement measures permanent.
Codifying the current border enforcement policies into law would mark a meaningful change in immigration policy, ending abuses of asylum, parole, and “catch-and-release.” It’s a commonsense move that would ensure the lasting impact of this administration on one of the most key issues it was elected to address.
Currently, the House Freedom Caucus is pushing congressional Republicans to get this done before the November midterm elections. The Permanent Trump Secure Border Act reportedly would enact visa overstay penalties, enhanced migrant vetting, further border wall construction, security investments, and mandatory reporting on foreign drug cartels.
In addition to continuing the Department of Homeland Security’s deportation plans, this bill would strengthen the crackdown on immigrants residing in the United States illegally. Despite media and politicians suggesting otherwise, enforcing the law on illegal immigration is a bipartisan consensus. The data clearly show a majority of Americans support stronger border enforcement and the deportation of illegal immigrants. An overwhelming 80-90% of Republicans back these policies, alongside 70-85% of independents and a surprising 40-50% of Democrats.
Yet the Constitution assigns Congress, not the president, the ultimate responsibility to establish the nation’s immigration laws. For too long, both Democratic and Republican administrations have relied on executive orders to reshape border policy because Congress has failed to legislate. The result has been predictable: every new administration reverses the last one’s priorities, creating a chaotic environment for border officials, state governments, immigrants, and the public alike.
TRUMP’S BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP FIGHT ISN’T OVER — IT HAS A NEW VENUE
If Republicans believe the current enforcement strategy has succeeded, they should do more than celebrate its results. They must ensure that this victory lives on beyond the Trump presidency. Lasting border security cannot depend on who wins the next election. It requires laws that remain in place regardless of which party controls the White House.
Making Trump’s border policies permanent preserves the president’s legacy for decades to come and ensures our national security is never threatened by illegal immigration again. It’s an easy win for congressional Republicans to move quickly on this popular, successful policy before the midterm elections in November.
Sam Raus is the David Boaz Resident writing fellow at Young Voices. Follow him on X: @SamRaus1.
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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]
