As the crisis at the southern border worsens by the day, two senior Republican lawmakers announced Wednesday they will travel to Eagle Pass, Texas, to get a “fresh perspective” on the mass illegal immigration outbreak.

Representatives Robert Aderholt and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson have frequently criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies, or lack thereof.

“The crisis at our southern border has grown every day since Joe Biden took office,” said Aderholt (R-Haleyville). “It does not appear that the president, the vice president (who he has put in charge of the border situation), or anyone else in the administration, has the ability or desire to address this national security issue.”

Aderholt acknowledged that many undocumented immigrants are fleeing desperate situations, but said they must follow the legal process to obtain citizenship.

“Illegal crossings are increasing by the day, month by month, and year by year. Since January 2021, more people have illegally crossed the border than the entire population of Alabama (approximately 5 million people).” Aderholt said. “While there is no doubt that many of them are trying to escape dire conditions in their countries, the reality is that there are legal immigration procedures into our country. These laws must be respected and enforced. yeah.”

The congressman noted that while some individuals may enter the United States without malicious intent, there are certainly malicious actors.

“Also, many of these people are human traffickers, drug smugglers and people on our country's terrorist watch list,” he said. “I have visited the border several times in the past and am looking forward to the new perspective that traveling with Chairman Johnson will provide.

“I know that my Republican colleagues and I are committed to ending this crisis and securing our borders for the security and sovereignty of our nation.”

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.