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By Jim Carris
The crisis at our southern border continues to impact communities across the nation, including right here in the Midwest and the 10th Congressional District. Local resources are stretched thin, security concerns are rising, and cities like Chicago are forced to deal with the consequences of federal inaction and partisan politics.
The Biden Administration’s refusal to address this issue has pushed local governments into a situation they can’t handle forcing them to manage an overwhelming influx of migrants and forcing nonprofits and social services to cover the gaps, all while diverting resources from veterans, seniors, and those most in need.
Schools are overcrowded with students requiring special attention, healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, and law enforcement struggles to maintain public safety amid increasing crime linked to illegal immigration.
This isn’t just a border state problem anymore — every state is now a border state. To understand the issue better, I traveled to Yuma, Arizona, where I spoke with law enforcement, healthcare workers, and NGO leaders who are on the front lines. I’ve made it a priority to learn directly from experts and residents how this crisis is affecting our District.
What I witnessed was heartbreaking.
I saw personal belongings left behind by migrants — many of whom are victims of human trafficking. Meanwhile, over 6 million migrants have crossed the border under the Biden Administration, with 1.5 million untracked and unprocessed, posing a serious national security threat.
The cartels are profiting billions from Biden’s border chaos, forcing migrants, some with bad intentions, to pay for entry and then demanding a portion of their wages once they’re in the U.S. The national security implications of this are immeasurable and it undermines America’s role on the global stage.
Like so many Democrats, my opponent Brad Schneider refuses to do anything. He hasn’t visited the border since 2019.
His website and social media are filled with announcements and photo-ops, but none of them address how this influx of migrants is affecting our District.
Silence would be bad enough, but he is making things worse. Last month, he voted against the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, which would have provided protection for women and imposed severe penalties on offenders, particularly those here illegally, and against the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act.
I’ve seen the impact on our community firsthand, and I’ve taken the time to learn from both residents and experts. Few congressional representatives have been as silent on this issue as my opponent.
Americans deserve a government that prioritizes their needs and keeps us safe. That requires a secure border and a fair and compassionate immigration policy.
President Biden must end his open-border policy immediately, and we need strong, courageous leaders who will hold him accountable.
That is why I am running.
Jim Carris is the Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 10th District. To learn more about his vision for a strong, safe, and growing America visit CarrisforCongress.com.
