Staff Reports
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has announced his intention to revive the Remain in Mexico policy as he takes on the role of chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. This decision comes on the heels of the GOP’s impressive gains in the November elections, which have primed American conservatives to embrace President Trump’s second-term agenda. Paul, who has been a steadfast voice for border security, is poised to leverage his new position to reinstate this crucial Trump-era initiative that fell victim to the Biden administration’s lax immigration policies.
The Remain in Mexico program, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, was implemented by the Trump administration in late 2018, requiring asylum seekers at the southern border to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed. This measure was designed to deter asylum fraud and significantly cut down on illegal immigration during Trump’s first term. However, like a kid who discovers that refusing to eat their greens means dessert is off the table, the Biden administration eagerly dismantled the program and, unsurprisingly, has seen record levels of illegal border crossings as a result.
In his comments, Paul expressed a belief that Congress must reclaim its constitutional role in protecting the nation’s borders. By making the first hearing focus on bringing back Remain in Mexico, Paul demonstrated an understanding that securing the border is not just a political talking point; it’s an essential function of government. The senator is prepared to instigate an inquiry into reinstating this life jacket of border security, determining just how Congress can effectively pull it back from the depths of political neglect.
Given Trump’s comeback plans, including promises of an expansive deportation policy and the completion of the southern border wall, the GOP is fully reinvigorated about tackling the immigration mess. Trump himself has committed to reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, with the GOP making it a staple of their platform leading up to the 2024 Republican National Convention. However, making this initiative a reality might see some challenges, especially considering that the new Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is aligned ideologically with her predecessor, who was none too fond of the program.
Yes!!! 🙌👍
‘Rand Paul Says He’ll Bring Back Major Trump-Era Border Program As Senate Chair’ #RemainInMexico https://t.co/j7z8MfYOkg
— Fact Checker (@Kirk01405395) November 14, 2024
As things ramp up for Trump’s return to power, Paul is ready to dive into the thicker currents of Washington politics. His agenda includes ensuring that Trump’s critical nominees, like Governor Kristi Noem, are swiftly moved through the process, setting the stage for a more secure and orderly immigration system. Clearly, Paul sees this as more than just another committee meeting; it’s an opportunity to rewrite the playbook on immigration policy in a manner that prioritizes American citizens over the loopholes the last administration allowed to flourish.
With the stage set for a GOP resurgence, one thing is abundantly clear: Rand Paul is ready to put the pedal to the metal in enforcing the rule of law and pushing for policies that reflect a commitment to America’s safety and integrity—not just for today, but for future generations.
