Rep. Calvert Statement on Family Separation Executive Order

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) issued the following statement on the executive order signed today regarding the separation of families detained illegally crossing our border:

"Like most Americans, I do not want to see children unnecessarily separated from their families. Over the past few days, my colleagues and I in the House have been working on legislation to address the issue and I welcome today's executive order to allow families to remain together in custody while their case is adjudicated.

Ultimately, Congress needs to update our immigration laws to provide legal clarity on this and other elements of our broken immigration system. As I stated when DACA was established by executive order, Congress has the constitutional responsibility of establishing our immigration policies, not the President. That is why I look forward to voting in support of both Securing America's Future Act (H.R. 4760) and the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act (H.R. 6136) in the House tomorrow. H.R. 4760 comprehensively addresses our border security issues, including mandating the use of E-Verify, a program I created. The Border Security and Immigration Reform Act, will enhance our border security and ensure that children who are apprehended at the border with their parents are not separated while in custody.

A secure border can only be achieved by making it clear that anyone caught illegally crossing our border will be returned to their home country. A secure border protects Americans and will protect Central American and other children from being subjected to a long, dangerous journey."