Dem lawmaker on immigration: 'We are not a nation of open borders, we are a nation of rule of law'

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (D-N.J.) said on Wednesday that the U.S. is “not a nation of open borders,” but rather a “nation of the rule of law,” pushing back on claims from President Trump and other Republicans that Democrats are the "party of open borders."

“We are not a nation of open borders,” Van Drew told Hill.TV during an interview on "Rising."

“I believe that we are a nation of the rule of law,” he added. “While I am very pro-immigration, it has to be done in an intelligent and thoughtful way.”

Van Drew said that he believes that the U.S. needs to have “safe, intact borders,” which includes an “actual physical border.” He said this might mean adding additional vertical metal struts and fencing along certain parts of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The New Jersey Democrat also called for additional resources and technology.

“I believe we do need to have good, safe intact borders — that includes [an] actual physical border,” the lawmaker said. “It includes technology, it includes more beds, it includes more manpower, it ensures that our nation is safe whether it is from drugs, whether it is from individuals.”

Immigration has become a sticking point between Democrats and Republicans amid an unprecedented influx of migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically along the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

Trump has faced criticism from business leaders, Democrats and even members of his own party over his threats to close the southern border all together in order to address the uptick in border crossings.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) warned Tuesday that sealing the border would have a “potentially catastrophic” impact on the economy. Later that same day, Trump appeared to pull back from his threats, claiming that Mexico is now cooperating in apprehending migrants at its southern border.

Van Drew expressed hope that lawmakers will be able to come together on the contentious issue, saying by not dealing with it, “a lot of people are getting hurt.”

“We should have an immigration system that is legal, that is safe, that is appropriate and that is humane — we can do this, it requires leadership,” he told Hill.TV.

https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/437143-dem-lawmaker-on-immigration-we-are-not-a-nation-of-open-borders-we-are-a-nation

Is it starting to sink into the Dims?

MAY OF DESTINY

ARCH-BREXITEERS are mounting a desperate last ditch bid to overthrow Theresa May TODAY over her soft Brexit “betrayal”.

The Sun can reveal senior Tories are calling on the party’s kingpin Sir Graham Brady to allow a secret ballot at a meeting of the influential 1922 Committee later this afternoon.

Sources said the MPs believe desperate action is needed before Downing Street thrashes out a soft Brexit compromise with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. One said: “They’re saying this is about the survival of the party itself.”

The ballot wouldn't be officially binding - but if Mrs May lost it could speed up her departure from No10.

It came after livid Wales Minister Nigel Adams resigned in protest at the PM’s lunge to a soft Brexit.

In a stinging resignation letter, he told the PM: “It now seems that you and your Cabinet have decided that a deal cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life, put British interests first –is better than no deal.”

The "1922" is due to meet in the bowels of Westminster at 5pm.

Brexit-backing International Trade Secretary Liam Fox is due to represent the Government at the meeting – and try to defend the PM’s decision.

Separately, Brexiteer Steve Baker revealed a cross-party amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill – demanding the Government negotiate a solution to the Irish backstop.

Theresa May told MPs last week that she was prepared to quit early in a desperate bid to get her deal through the Commons – but lost by 58 votes.

Former Immigration Minister Mark Harper last night warned the PM’s soft Brexit lunge would be opposed by most MPs.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/brexit/8781859/tory-mps-launch-bid-to-kick-theresa-may-out-today-after-soft-brexit-bid/

MAYday?