In a recent trip to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) gained feedback to help figure out solutions for ending illegal immigration from the region into the United States.
Since 2014, a large number of unaccompanied alien minors have fled these nations, where poverty and corruption contribute significantly to humanitarian deficiencies, according to Rep. Burgess, chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. The congressman, who’s also a medical doctor, said he seeks meaningful solutions to America’s immigration crisis and an end to illegal border crossings into the United States.
“Sovereign nations must prioritize the defense of their borders,” Rep. Burgess said on Aug. 30. “As we seek to reverse the current crisis on our southern border, we should consider why families in Central America send their children on a dangerous journey to America without the benefit of citizenship.”
Rep. Burgess added that he’s encouraged by the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which describes itself as leading international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people move beyond assistance.
But the congressman said “there is more to be done” regarding the immigration, humanitarian and energy challenges facing residents in the Central American region.
“Foreign leaders must be held accountable for the well-being of their fellow citizens,” he said. “Aid can be a powerful motivator, particularly when its availability is tied to a nation’s efforts to create a safe home for its people.”
Rep. Burgess pointed out that “America’s foreign aid funds are much better spent helping to provide a safe home for children in Central American countries than spent caring for these children in taxpayer-funded shelters once they reach our borders.”
A summary provided by his office highlighted Rep. Burgess’ trip. For instance, in El Salvador the lawmaker received embassy staff briefings and discussed safety in a meeting with local authorities, including Zacatecoluca Mayor Francisco Hirezi, members of the Crime Prevention Committee, and USAID staff. He also toured two outreach centers for migrants.
In Honduras, Rep. Burgess met with several officials to discuss immigration, including First Lady Ana García Carías, Minister of Human Rights Karla Cueva, and USAID representatives. The congressman also met with U.S. military service members stationed at the Joint Task Force Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base.
In Guatemala City, Rep. Burgess joined staff members at the USAID-supported Shelter Amor Sin Fronteras, which provides care for girls, according to his office, and he toured a Migration Reception Center where immigration officials explained the process for receiving Guatemalan immigrants who have returned to the country.