(NewsNation) — Representative Tony Gonzales, R-TX, introduced the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employment Act, or HIRE Act, to streamline temporary visa programs for nonimmigrant workers.
The bill aims to simplify the process for migrants to apply for three-year work visas, increasing the workforce and tackling the national labor shortage.
The proposal comes amid challenges faced by law enforcement due to increased migrant activity along the southern border, sparking concern over drug trafficking.
Gonzales, whose district stretches from El Paso to San Antonio and includes hundreds of miles of the border, told NewsNaiton he wants people to come over legally, so law enforcement can “double down” on illegal immigration.
“Right now, nine out of 10 people that come over do not qualify for asylum. So we need to stop sending them down this asylum route,” he said. “That way the sheriff there and other law enforcement officers can know if you’re not coming over legally, you don’t want to work.”
He added that the legislation is solely focused on work visas.
“It’s not meant to have a pathway to citizenship. It’s not meant to give you access to voting or access to social services. It’s solely focused on work visas,” Gonzales said.” There’s a worker shortage all throughout the country. I think it solves a couple of our problems.”
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