Green Bay Reporter

Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has introduced legislation aimed at securing the southern border and addressing the ongoing border crisis under the Biden administration. The bill, known as the WALL Act of 2024, not only emphasizes the completion of the border wall but also introduces significant reforms to prevent illegal immigrants from benefiting from certain tax credits and welfare programs.

The WALL Act of 2024, which has a companion bill in the Senate introduced by Sen. Britt (R-AL) in 2023, reflects the concerns of many Americans regarding the current state of the southern border. Rep. Gallagher argues that President Biden's policies have further exacerbated the crisis, threatened national security, and negatively affected families in Wisconsin and across the country.

In a statement, Rep. Gallagher said, "President Biden has met the American people's cry for a secure southern border with hollow actions and far-left policies that pander to his progressive base. This has exacerbated the crisis, threatened our national security, and hurt Wisconsin families." He added, "While regaining operational control of the border requires a number of tools – such as additional personnel and enhanced technology – a finished southern border wall is both fundamental and necessary to this effort."

The proposed legislation outlines several key provisions aimed at addressing the border crisis:

1. Appropriating $25 billion to complete the construction of the border wall.

2. Offsetting the cost of the wall by eliminating entitlement benefits and tax credits that illegal immigrants are currently utilizing, as well as imposing fines on those attempting illegal entry into the United States.

3. Requiring the Department of Homeland Security to resume all border wall construction activities planned prior to President Biden taking office.

4. Strengthening requirements for physical barriers along the border and mandating the deployment of practical and effective technology to achieve operational control and situational awareness.

The bill seeks to provide a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced at the southern border. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there have been over 8 million illegal crossings nationwide since President Biden assumed office in 2021. Additionally, there have been over 6.7 million illegal crossings specifically at the southern border during the same period. Furthermore, in FY23 alone, Border Patrol apprehended 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist who were attempting to cross the southern border.

Rep. Gallagher's previous efforts to address border-related issues include a package of bills introduced in 2023 aimed at combating cartel violence in Mexico, cracking down on arms smuggling, and addressing corruption and instability in Mexico. He also introduced the Empowering Immigration Courts Act in 2023, which sought to grant immigration judges the authority to impose fines on individuals found to be in contempt of their court, similar to federal district court judges.

The WALL Act of 2024 represents Rep. Gallagher's ongoing commitment to securing the southern border and protecting American national security. The bill, with its focus on completing the border wall and implementing necessary reforms, aims to address the concerns of many Americans regarding the current state of the border and its impact on communities across the country.