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By Congressman Brian Babin
U.S. Congressional District 36
Cleveland Advocate

I recently took a trip to the Southwest border with a group of lawmakers to examine the situation firsthand. We traveled to San Diego, California, Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona, and McAllen, Texas. We saw and spoke with many American citizens who have been the victims of illegal drug running, human trafficking, arson and vandalism as well as the relatives of some Americans who have been murdered.

However, the biggest fact that I took away from the trip is that there is no true commitment within the Obama Administration to secure our borders. We certainly need more personnel, fencing and technology – like UAVs, aerostats and camera towers – but we need to first focus on enforcing existing border laws.

Unfortunately, President Obama has shown zero commitment to enforcing our laws and making border security a priority. If he does, we can begin the process of securing our border, protecting American citizens, and relieving the enormous burden being placed on hardworking taxpayers – who are footing the bill under our porous borders.
It’s shameful that illegal immigrants are receiving benefits that American citizens are having trouble obtaining. In fact, in some cases, illegal immigrants are being provided higher quality care than our nation’s veterans. Furthermore, hospitals, schools and law enforcement agencies are being taxed with the flood of illegal immigrants into the United States – especially here in Texas.

Simply put, no nation can maintain its sovereignty with open and unsecured borders. That’s why the President must begin to put American citizens first, and protect their rights, lives and property by making border security a priority. And it must begin now – before it’s too late.