Alabama Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas expressing concern over the Department of Homeland Security’s discrepancy between the COVID-related health and safety guidelines for migrants entering at or between ports of entry at the U.S.-Mexico border and those required by the CDC for air travelers entering the United States.
In the letter, Tuberville said that the posture of Homeland Security toward COVID-related health and safety protocols at the border “is both disturbing and discouraging, as our nation has made great sacrifices to contain the virus – to the point of shutting down our economy, laying off American workers, and closing schools.”
Tuberville expressed concerns over the number of executive actions taken under the Biden administration that he said will lead to increased border crossings at the border by individuals who are not screened for COVID-19.
“Under your leadership, the Administration has also instituted a number of policies that will undoubtedly weaken both border and national security,” Tuberville wrote:
“I am concerned that these policy changes leave little protection or guidance in place to support our federal and local law enforcement officers along the border or within the interior of the U.S. Not surprisingly, these actions were taken without providing the American people and lawful immigrants any explanation as to why enforcing the nation’s immigration laws is contrary to the goals of this Administration.
“Effective January 26,2021, the CDC requires that all air passengers, including U.S. citizens, boarding flights destined for the U.S. to provide evidence of a negative COVID test taken within three calendar days of departure. Is the same requirement in place for individuals entering the U.S. at or between ports of entry along the Southwest border? If not, why is a stricter standard being applied to U.S. citizens than non-citizens?”
“Almost immediately after taking office, President Biden rescinded many executive orders and DHS policies related to enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Under your leadership, the Administration has also instituted a number of policies that will undoubtedly weaken both border and national security. I am concerned that these policy changes leave little protection or guidance in place to support our federal and local law enforcement officers along the border or within the interior of the U.S. Not surprisingly, these actions were taken without providing the American people and lawful immigrants any explanation as to why enforcing the nation’s immigration laws is contrary to the goals of this Administration.”
Tuberville is serving in his first term as U.S. senator. The career college football coach won a commanding victory over incumbent Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, in the Nov. 3 general election.
