Former Michigan state Sen. Curtis Hertel (D), who is looking to succeed Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) as the state’s 7th Congressional District representative, is urging President Biden to use more executive authority on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Hertel is asking Biden to address the “dysfunctional” immigration system through executive action.
“The current border situation impacts constituents across Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, with communities facing challenges related to the fentanyl crisis and the accommodation of asylum seekers,” Hertel said in a May 24 letter sent to Biden and obtained by The Hill.
The former state senator now running in a swing district is pushing Biden to employ a variety of actions that, in his view, would bring “order” to the crossing and “support” the U.S. economy.
The East Lansing-based candidate is pushing for increased funding for technology used at the border, including drones, sensors and cameras to help halt the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs. He wants the president to issue an executive order to minimize the “abuse” of the asylum process and heighten the “credible fear standard,” according to the letter. He’s also calling for the commander in chief to tamp down the use of asylum claims between ports of entry, aiming to prevent cartels from instructing migrants on how to construct false stories.
Additionally, Hertel wants Biden to extend work permits to 1.1 million immigrant spouses married to U.S. citizens, arguing this executive action would help “secure” the border and add more skilled labor to the country’s workforce.
Lastly, Hertel wants Biden to reimplement the “Migrant Protection Protocols,” also known as the “Remain in Mexico” program, introduced during former President Trump’s administration. The program, which took effect for the first time in January 2019, requires those who are seeking asylum to wait on the other side of the border while their claim is processed.
Biden has consistently been criticized by Republicans over his administration’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico crossing, with many referring to it as an “open border.”
In order to curb the flow of migrants, the Biden administration is considering executive actions that would allow him to temporarily shut down the southern border, according to PBS.
“I understand that comprehensive immigration reform is a complex issue that requires legislative action,” Hertel said in the letter. “However, given Congress’ refusal to act, it is essential that your administration utilizes all available tools, including executive authority, to enhance security at the Southern border, combat the influx of illicit fentanyl, and facilitate orderly and legal immigration processes.”
While the former state legislator praised Biden for his push to get bipartisan border legislation through this year, the bill, which took months to be negotiated, was quashed twice in the upper chamber and was downed in a 43-50 vote last week.
“It is imperative that both parties collaborate on pragmatic, bipartisan immigration reforms that enhance border security while providing a pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented immigrants who have deep roots in America and have been law-abiding, tax-paying members of our society,” Hertel said in the letter.
Hertel is up against state Sen. Tom Barrett (R), who in 2022 ran against Slotkin but lost the contest. The district was narrowly won by Biden in 2020.
The Democrat has more than $2.1 million cash on hand, according to the latest Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings. Hertel is ahead of Barrett in fundraising, as the Republican currently has just more than $958,000, according to FEC records.
The open House seat has yielded a contentious race as Slotkin decided to run for the Senate this year.
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.