Rutherford CoSponsors Migrant Protection Protocols Act of 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04) joined Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-26) in introducing the Migrant Protection Protocols Act, which codifies the Trump Administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy that kept migrants in Mexico for the duration of their immigration proceedings instead of being let loose in the country while they await to appear in court.

"As a member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, I am focused on protecting our national security and promoting fair and effective immigration policies. The President's open border policies are making our communities less safe, and the reinstatement of catch-and-release has allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to be released all over the United States," said Rep. Rutherford. "The Migrant Protection Protocols Act will reaffirm our commitment to national security and public safety by giving us time to vet migrants before allowing them into our country."

"Under the Trump Administration, the Remain in Mexico policy forced the Mexican government to be a reliable partner in stemming illegal migration throughout the region by forcing Mexico to enforce its own border protection with the rest of Central American countries," said Rep. Gimenez. "Right now, the vast majority of migrants seeking asylum from their home countries are not actually from Mexico, but rather, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and even countries such as Cuba, Haiti, and beyond. If the true intent of these migrants is to seek refuge from brutal regimes and harsh living conditions in their home countries, then it would make sense for them to apply for asylum in Mexico rather than engage in the dangerous and treacherous journey to the United States."

The Migrant Protection Protocols Act is also cosponsored by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Kat Cammack (R-FL), and Ted Budd (R-NC).

Read the full bill text here.

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