In a resolute move addressing what they label a “national crisis” at the U.S.-Mexico border, Georgia Senate Republicans advocate for immigration reforms and the construction of a border wall. The passed Senate Resolution 543, with a 31-15 vote, links federal immigration policies to concerns about rising fentanyl smuggling, despite federal data indicating a predominant involvement of U.S. citizens in fentanyl trafficking arrests.

Authored by state Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), the resolution not only solidifies Georgia’s endorsement of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s immigration approach but also calls for the reinstatement of two Trump-era immigration reforms overturned by President Joe Biden. The first, Executive Order 13768, aimed to cut federal funding for “sanctuary cities” refusing cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The second, Proclamation 9844, declared a national emergency at the border, allowing the diversion of billions from military construction funds for the border wall.

Despite Georgia being over 800 miles from the southern border, Senate Republicans argue that failures in Washington, D.C. have transformed every state into a border state. State Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia) asserts, “Because of failures in Washington, D.C., every state is now a border state.” The resolution is supported by state Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), who acknowledges the impact reaching beyond Texas.

However, Senate Democrats challenge the rhetoric associating undocumented immigration with fentanyl smuggling, emphasizing a lack of credible data supporting such a link. State Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) contends, “Blaming immigrants for this crisis grabs headlines, but it’s not rooted in clear data.” An attempt by state Sen. Elena Parent to introduce an amendment urging Congress to pass a bipartisan immigration deal was voted down.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is slated to address immigration reform in a speech on Tuesday.

Source: Savannah now