In a fiery statement on “Eric Bolling The Balance,” Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., voiced strong opposition to the Biden administration’s pursuit of a “legal pathway” for undocumented immigrants. Accusing the White House of compromising border security and misusing taxpayer funds, Perry highlighted alarming provisions in the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Perry asserted that the proposed legislation would, controversially, extend work permits to all illegal immigrants within the United States. During the interview, he emphasized, “That’s what we’ve heard, is that everybody that’s here illegally — automatically gets a work permit.”
The Pennsylvania representative further contended that the bill would amplify the allocation of green cards by 55,000 and furnish legal representation to migrants facing deportation. He expressed concern over the financial burden this would place on taxpayers, stating, “Your tax dollars will be spent to hire lawyers to represent the people who come to America illegally.”
According to Perry, the need for legal representation arises from potential criminal offenses committed by undocumented individuals. He questioned the financial feasibility for these migrants, suggesting that American taxpayers would bear the cost, pointing out, “They just gave all their money to the cartels. So, the Senate decided, I think that the American people will pay for that.”
As a member of the House Oversight Committee, Perry criticized the Biden administration for its purported failure to address the escalating influx of migrants at the southern border. He attributed this surge to what he described as the president’s “open border” policies.
Cities led by Democrats, Perry argued, were grappling with the challenges posed by the increasing number of asylum seekers and migrants, requiring resources for housing, healthcare, and employment. He asserted, “They [the Senate] wrote a bill to invite more” migrants, contrary to the desire for fewer illegal entries.
In response, the White House defended its immigration agenda, asserting its commitment to creating a fair and humane system respecting the rule of law and migrants’ dignity. The administration refuted claims that the infrastructure bill would grant blanket work permits, clarifying that eligibility would be restricted to individuals qualifying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The White House emphasized stringent requirements, including background checks and fees, for eligible applicants. Regarding legal counsel, the administration argued that due process and justice necessitated providing legal representation, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and asylum seekers.
To address concerns about the financial impact, the White House outlined that $2.75 billion from the infrastructure bill would be allocated for immigration legal services, aiming to reduce the backlog of cases in immigration courts. Additionally, the administration highlighted a $4 billion investment over four years in the Northern Triangle countries to address root causes of migration.
The White House underscored its commitment to expanding legal pathways for migration, such as refugee resettlement and family reunification, to offer safer alternatives to irregular and perilous journeys to the U.S. border.
