In his testimony at The Border Crisis: The Cost of Chaos hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Adam Isacson from WOLA addressed key challenges with U.S. immigration and border enforcement policies. He noted that migration to the U.S.-Mexico border has temporarily decreased due to recent crackdowns in both Mexico and the U.S. asylum system. However, Isacson emphasized that these measures are not sustainable, as past patterns show migration numbers will rise again.
He argued against continued crackdowns, stating they are ineffective long-term. Instead, Isacson called for reforms to create a clearer and safer process for legal migration. He highlighted it is essential to modernize the U.S. outdated immigration laws, which haven’t significantly changed in decades. Isacson also defended the asylum system, pointing out that many asylum seekers have legitimate claims and highlighting the system’s severe underfunding, which leads to delays and incentivizes risky migration. He concluded by urging to move beyond short-term punitive responses and focus on systemic reforms to address migration challenges and reduce the influence of organized crime at the border.
- Read the complete written testimony here
- To watch the complete hearing click here
