Tuberville Letter to DHS Secretary on Health Impact of Open Border Immigration Policies

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas expressing concern over the Department of Homeland Security's discrepancy between the COVID-related health and safety guidelines for migrants entering at or between ports of entry at the Southwest border and those required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for air travelers entering the United States.

In the LETTER, Senator Tuberville notes the relaxed posture toward COVID-related health and safety protocols at the Southwest border "is both disturbing and discouraging, as our nation has made great sacrifices to contain the virus -- to the point of shutting down our economy, laying off American workers, and closing schools."

The Senator addresses the unprecedented amount of executive actions taken under the Biden Administration that will lead to increased border crossings at our Southwest border by individuals who are not screened for COVID-19:

"Under your leadership, the Administration has also instituted a number of policies that will undoubtedly weaken both border and national security. I am concerned that these policy changes leave little protection or guidance in place to support our federal and local law enforcement officers along the border or within the interior of the U.S. Not surprisingly, these actions were taken without providing the American people and lawful immigrants any explanation as to why enforcing the nation's immigration laws is contrary to the goals of this Administration."

Senator Tuberville concludes with several questions, including:

"Please explain what precautionary measures CBP officers and border patrol agents are directed to take to minimize their exposure to COVID and how we can ensure these measures are being adhered to. How frequently are you testing officers and agents stationed along the Southwest border?"

"Effective January 26,2021, the CDC requires that all air passengers, including U.S. citizens, boarding flights destined for the U.S. to provide evidence of a negative COVID test taken within three calendar days of departure. Is the same requirement in place for individuals entering the U.S. at or between ports of entry along the Southwest border? If not, why is a stricter standard being applied to U.S. citizens than non-citizens?"

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