In a recent op-ed for the Washington Times, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) have outlined the reasons why Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas must be removed from office. The op-ed comes ahead of a House vote to impeach Mayorkas, highlighting the significant consequences of his actions.
The op-ed begins by emphasizing the devastating impact of the unprecedented chaos at the southern border under Mayorkas' leadership. Foxx and Green argue that the influx of illegal aliens has turned every state into a border state, placing immense strain on school districts and stretching their limited resources.
Highlighting the financial burden on education, Foxx and Green point out that the flood of new students has created a capacity issue in schools. They cite a report that reveals New York City alone had 21,000 newly enrolled migrant children this school year. If these numbers were replicated in North Carolina or Tennessee, it would cost the states between $2.3 million and $2.5 million annually.
The op-ed emphasizes that the continual flow of new students not only strains public resources but also increases education costs for local and state governments, as well as the federal government. Furthermore, the surge is negatively impacting the quality of education. Foxx and Green reference a situation in New York where students were forced into online learning to accommodate migrants sleeping in their gym, resulting in frustrated parents and ineffective education.
The safety of students is also at risk due to the housing of illegal immigrants in elementary and secondary schools in several blue cities. Foxx and Green express their support for H. Res. 461, which condemns putting minors in possible contact with unvetted adults who are in the U.S. illegally. They argue that American students should not be collateral damage in Mayorkas' border calamity.
The op-ed concludes by stating that Mayorkas' actions prevent the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from securing the border, creating an incentive for mass migration into communities across the country. Foxx and Green assert that as chairs of committees in the House of Representatives, it is their duty to provide oversight of the executive branch. In light of the defiance faced by diligent oversight and legislation to secure the border, they believe that impeachment is the only recourse to hold accountable a Cabinet secretary who does not uphold his oath of office.
The op-ed serves as a call to action for Congress to fulfill its duty and take the necessary steps to address the detrimental consequences of Mayorkas' actions. It highlights the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of American students and the importance of securing the border to prevent further chaos and strain on resources.
