Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, said that the United States must defend its borders to protect workers and laws by opposing funding for future refugee programs.
"A nation that won't defend its borders won't defend its workers, its laws, or its future," said Cortes. "Republicans were elected to draw a line, not manage the surrender. No more half-measures. No more excuses. On this vote, the only honest number is zero."
Cortes made this statement in response to a post on X highlighting proposed funding for refugee and entrant assistance in the 2025 appropriations bill. The post noted the Senate's recommendation of $5,691,033,000 for programs aiding refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, special immigrant visas, trafficking victims, and unaccompanied children. Cortes called for zero funding on this vote to avoid half-measures in border defense.
In New York City, according to local reports, the comptroller estimated expenditures of nearly $4.6 billion on shelter and services for newly arrived migrants through May 2024. This has strained local budgets. Border states like Texas have faced similar financial pressures from migrant processing and security needs. These costs illustrate the regional impacts of immigration on public resources.
A federal study indicated that refugees and asylees benefited from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance at a slightly higher rate than the U.S. population. While the net fiscal impact was positive over 15 years at $123.8 billion, initial reliance on public aid is notable. The analysis excluded costs related to national security and military expenditures.
Cortes previously served as senior spokesman and strategist for Donald Trump's 2016 and 2020 campaigns, focusing on Hispanic outreach. He founded the League of American Workers to advocate for patriotic economic policies and has appeared as a commentator on Fox News and CNN.
