#United States #Washington #Congress #FAIR #Immigration

FAIR Congratulates Congress on Crucial Immigration Enforcement Funding

On July 3, 2025, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) publicly applauded Congress following the approval of the budget reconciliation bill aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement across the United States. This legislative decision was framed as a significant measure to strengthen border security and address long-standing immigration issues that have arisen over recent years.

The director of government relations for FAIR, Joe Chatham, issued a statement highlighting the importance of the bill. He emphasized that this new funding would provide billions of dollars necessary to reinforce interior immigration enforcement and secure borders comprehensively. According to FAIR, the bill represents a necessary step in rectifying what they describe as unprecedented levels of illegal immigration experienced over the past four years. Chatham remarked, “During this period, the American public has faced not only a surge in illegal immigration but also escalating costs and potential threats to national security.”

The approved legislation allocates over $60 billion specifically toward border security enhancements. Key elements of the funding include not only the completion of the border wall but also the procurement of electronic surveillance equipment designed to detect unauthorized entries and contraband shipments. Additionally, the bill would bolster the personnel and facilities of Customs and Border Protection, allowing for more effective arrest and detention of individuals who attempt to enter the U.S. illegally.

Crucially, the bill does not solely focus on preventing new illegal immigration; it also provides substantial financial support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This funding is intended to fulfill the mandate set forth by former President Trump for the removal of millions of undocumented individuals from the country. Furthermore, the bill allocates an additional $45 billion to ensure sufficient detention space for newly apprehended illegal aliens until their removal processes are completed. FAIR's estimates suggest that the illegal immigrant population had reached approximately 18.6 million by the end of the Biden administration.

FAIR representatives calculate that the costs associated with illegal immigration currently burden federal, state, and local governments to the tune of $150.7 billion each year. They assert that investments in border security and immigration enforcement will ultimately save American taxpayers significant amounts over time. Ensuring that borders remain secure against illegal entry and that unlawful residents are removed is not merely a policy decision, but an imperative to protect the financial interests of U.S. taxpayers.

In light of this new legislation, FAIR is calling on Congress to pursue further legislative reforms that would effectively halt immigration policies they consider ineffective and to close legal loopholes that have inadvertently permitted millions of illegal aliens entry into the country. They refer to the House's earlier passage of H.R. 2, legislation designed to achieve many of these objectives, which was not addressed by the Senate. With a Republican-controlled Senate and a president who has expressed a willingness to sign appropriate legislation, FAIR urges Congress to deliver an updated version of such a bill before the conclusion of the 119th Congress.

As FAIR continues its work in advocating for immigration policies that align with national interests, the organization reinforces its commitment to protecting American jobs, enhancing national security, and ensuring the rule of law is both recognized and enforced effectively. Founded in 1979, FAIR stands as the largest immigration reform organization in the United States, with over three million members and supporters nationwide.

For those interested in fair immigration practices and policies, this recent bill's passage heralds the possibility of a new direction in U.S. immigration reform, aiming for an approach that prioritizes the nation's interests above all.