Press Releases

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon visited Texas and New Mexico on Saturday with House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD), Congresswomen Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), and Deb Haaland (NM-01). Together, they toured sections of the southern border with Customs and Border Patrol agents, met with local advocates and community organizations representing migrants fleeing violence and seeking asylum under our laws, and visited a volunteer-run, donation driven hospitality center for migrants managed by the non-profit Annunciation House.  

“In order to truly understand the challenges we face at our border, you have to experience it first hand,” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “From asylum seekers and immigrants fleeing violence to the importance of supporting our border patrol agents with modern technology and resources, one thing this clear: This is a complex challenge that requires multi-pronged policy solutions. Our diversity not only makes us stronger but is the foundation of who we are as Americans. We can protect our borders while addressing the very real humanitarian crisis. I am so grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to join them on this insightful trip.”

“Democrats are for smart border security,” Majority Leader Hoyer said, “and we are for making sure that our immigration and asylum policies reflect our nation’s values. We heard from both border security personnel and migrant advocates, and what was clear from our visit was that we face challenges at the Southern border, but we do not have a crisis that demands a costly and ineffective wall. I was pleased to have been joined by this outstanding group of new Members and to have been hosted by Reps. Escobar and Torres Small in their districts.  Democrats will continue to work to identify the best ways to secure our border and treat migrants with the dignity and humanity they deserve.”

Congresswoman Scanlon was sworn into the 116^th Congress on January 3, 2019. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and is a member of the House Rules Committee.

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