During consideration of the Budget Resolution for fiscal 2021 (S. Con. Res. 5), Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) offered an amendment to create a deficit-neutral fund, consistent with the Senate’s pay-as-you-go rule in order to be included in a reconciliation bill. This fund would allow for legislation enforcing the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy that requires illegal migrants attempting to gain asylum in the United States to wait in Mexico while their asylum claims are determined.
The Senate rejected Rubio’s amendment on February 5, 2021 by a vote of 50 to 50 (Roll Call 51). We have assigned pluses to the yeas because uncontrolled migration is detrimental to preserving our constitutional republic. Furthermore, considering that in fiscal 2020, 71.6 percent of asylum claims were ultimately rejected, it is wise public policy to prohibit asylum seekers from entering the United States.
