U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, criticized the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Tuesday, which focused on the incoming Trump Administration’s plan for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Speaking at the hearing, Hawley expressed surprise at the controversy surrounding efforts to enforce immigration laws.
“It’s remarkable that enforcing our laws, protecting our border, and securing our streets from criminals is even controversial,” he said. “This hearing speaks volumes about the other side of the aisle.”
The hearing saw sharp criticism from Democrats, including Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, who voiced concerns over President-elect Trump’s proposal to use the military for mass deportations.
One of the witnesses, immigration attorney Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, warned that mass deportations could severely damage the U.S. economy and disrupt society. He argued that most undocumented immigrants want to contribute to the country, and advocated for a path to citizenship for those who meet certain requirements.
“We want a path to citizenship for those who pass a background check, pay a fine, and contribute to leveling the playing field,” Reichlin-Melnick said.
Hawley quickly interrupted, calling this suggestion “amnesty.”
“You want to bring 13 million people into the labor force,” Hawley said.
“They’re already in the labor force,” Reichlin-Melnick replied.
Hawley countered, “Illegally, they’re taking jobs from American citizens.”
Reichlin-Melnick responded, “Yes! So let’s make it legal and fix this!”
Hawley also linked illegal immigration to rising crime rates, mentioning the tragic death of St. Louis police officer David Lee, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident earlier this year.
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