Rep. Kristi Noem today urged President Obama to work with Congress to explore permanent, long-term solutions on immigration, rather than pursuing unilateral action. 

“We need to look for real, permanent solutions on immigration, not quick fixes,” said Noem.  “There is no doubt that we have a problem on our borders.  They are extremely porous and that raises serious concerns about our national security.  I’m willing to work together to find a commonsense solution that first and foremost secures our borders, but a ‘my way or the highway’ negotiation won’t work.”

Noem has long supported a step-by-step approach to immigration reform, which would begin by taking steps to secure the border and putting in place a system that works for South Dakota agriculture.  This summer, Noem supported H.R.5230, which would have authorized the deployment of the National Guard to the southern border, provided funding to increase security, accelerated judicial proceedings, and ensured U.S. Customs and Border Protection had access to federal land near the border.  The legislation passed the House, but was blocked in the U.S. Senate.

“I am confident the House will use available tools at its disposal to bring an end to the President’s unilateral executive action,” continued Noem.  “The President is blatantly disregarding the will of the people of South Dakota and the Constitution’s separation of powers.  It’s unacceptable and must be stopped.”