Columbia Standard

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has criticized the Biden administration's open border policy, highlighting the increase in human trafficking and sexual exploitation during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Senator Scott stated, "President Biden's open border policies are anything but humane. Illegal immigrants smuggled through our open border are abused, raped and even killed on their way to the United States. Democrats' continued inaction and failure to secure our southern border fuels this barbaric human trafficking crisis."

Since 2021, over 10 million known illegal immigrants have entered the U.S. This mass migration has been driven by the repeal of strong border security policies and the implementation of open border tools by the Biden administration. Senator Scott pointed out that the repeal of policies such as Remain in Mexico and Title 42, along with the use of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) One App, which processes illegal immigrants into the U.S., have incentivized historic levels of illegal immigration.

The consequences of this open border policy are grave. Among the 10 million illegal immigrants, there are over 85,000 unaccompanied children (UACs) whose whereabouts the Biden administration is currently unable to account for. Additionally, in 2022 alone, 150,000 UACs crossed into the U.S., with an alarming 60% of them likely to be exploited through child pornography and drug trafficking.

The situation becomes even more distressing when considering the high rate of sexual assault. Nearly one-third of women and children are sexually assaulted while crossing the border. Reuters reports that criminal investigations into the rape of foreign nationals reached the highest levels ever recorded in Reynosa and Matamoros, two major transit routes for illegal immigrants.

Senator Scott has been championing 10 pieces of border security legislation. His efforts aim to end immigration policies that contribute to human trafficking and sexual violence. The Secure the Border Act of 2023, Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act, Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, Securing Our Border Act, and Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act are just a few examples of the legislation Senator Scott has fought for. These measures seek to disincentivize illegal immigrants, particularly vulnerable women and children, from embarking on the dangerous journey to the U.S.

The alarming increase in human trafficking and sexual violence at the border underscores the urgent need for effective border security measures. As National Human Trafficking Prevention Month continues, Senator Scott's call for action serves as a reminder that the safety and well-being of individuals affected by these crimes should be a top priority for lawmakers.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-slams-democrats-failure-to-secure-the-border-during-national-human-trafficking-prevention-month-exposes-human-trafficking-and-sexua/