Thread by @marcorubio

1/8: @POTUS is very frustrated with growing migrant crisis.

Rightfully so.

We are seeing historic #’s of families with children unlawfully crossing the border.

At this point no one can deny this is a serious humanitarian crisis that threatens to overwhelm our capabilities.

2/8: I share @realDonaldTrump frustration that source & transit nations not doing enough. But migrants will continue to make dangerous journey as long as:
- Conditions at home are bad; &
- Know if they arrive with children we have to allow them to enter pending a hearing

3/8: A wall will help funnel traffic to monitored areas & make it easier for Border Patrol.

But it’s well known in Cent Am that if you arrive with children & claim asylum you have very good chance of being released with a work permit pending a hearing 2 years from now.

4/8: To fix this is for Congress to act:
1. Fix asy­lum loop­holes. Make clear that only those facing persecution are eligible for asylum;
2. Overturn 9th circuit rulings that expanded the Flores agreement
3. Expedite pending hearing by providing more $ judges & housing

5/8: But many Democrats want all migrants claiming asylum be given hearing & released pending that hearing. Even if it serves as a magnet for more children to be brought on that dangerous journey.

And they accuse anyone who disagrees of being anti-immigrant.

6/8: Addressing this crisis isn’t “anti-immigrant” or xenophobic. A generous immigration system must be an orderly one.

But what we have now is border chaos. It is diverting resources from other needs & making it impossible to deal with other aspects of immigration reform.

7/8: Reducing support to CentAm & closing the border with Mexico would be counterproductive. But facing irrational Democrat obstruction to any of the measures needed to address this has left Trump with few options to get everyone’s attention including Congress. We need to act.

8/8: The conditions these migrants face at home in CentAm is heartbreaking.

But the solution to their problems is not illegal migration.

Nothing compassionate about luring them to bring their children (or send them with strangers) on a long, dangerous & illegal journey.