Larry Kudlow: Ignore the Open Border Agenda of Schumer and His Allies

Far be it from me to encourage a government shutdown. Especially one that would disrupt FEMA during severe winter storms or hinder the Secret Service, particularly given the assassination attempts on President Trump’s life. However, defunding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in this continuing resolution (CR) would lead to such consequences. The immigration deportation initiatives have already been funded to the tune of approximately $75 billion in the comprehensive bill signed last summer. Therefore, this approach simply doesn’t make sense—it’s about as foolish as it gets.

Moreover, with all due respect to Senator Chuck Schumer and his Democratic colleagues, they have effectively become the party of open borders. During the Biden administration, estimates suggest that between 10 to 15 million undocumented immigrants have entered the country. Consequently, I hope that the discussions among the White House, Senate Republicans, and Senate Democrats proceed with caution regarding immigration laws and border security.

Mr. Trump successfully closed the border using the resources of ICE, DHS, and CBP. In just one year, over 675,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported, and an additional 2.2 million have self-deported. Remarkably, this was achieved without new legislation; it merely required a strong President who leveraged existing laws and garnered significant public support to enforce border security.

There are numerous laws already in place addressing the most dangerous criminals and the heinous activities perpetrated by undocumented immigrants and their gangs, including drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and murder.

Consider the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, who has stated he won’t enforce federal immigration laws. This raises a critical question: laws are laws and should be enforced. If someone is in the country illegally, the likelihood of deportation is high. It’s important to note that sanctuary cities do not provide true sanctuary; federal law supersedes local or state laws in cases of conflict.

My point is that Democrats may seek to alter immigration laws as a bargaining chip in negotiations to avoid a shutdown. Given the Democratic Party’s history of open border policies, Republicans should approach any such deal with skepticism. The GOP must remain steadfast on immigration, especially with the midterms approaching and the left attempting to revert to their destructive open border stance.

The management of ICE, DHS, and related agencies, as handled by Tom Homan in Minneapolis, is a separate issue. He will manage those resources as he sees fit, under the President’s guidance. However, this is distinct from altering deportation or immigration laws. With the border effectively closed, there will eventually be an opportunity for a national dialogue about citizenship, meritocracy, English proficiency, knowledge of American history, tax obligations, and other criteria for legal immigration.

Addressing legal immigration is essential, but it should not be rushed in the next 24 or 48 hours merely to avert a shutdown. It certainly should not be in response to the left-wing Democratic Party’s open border proposals, which voters decisively rejected in November 2024. It’s crucial to disregard the Schumer open border agenda.

Far be it from me to encourage a government shutdown. Especially one that would disrupt FEMA during severe winter storms or hinder the Secret Service, particularly given the assassination attempts on President Trump’s life. However, defunding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in this continuing resolution (CR) would lead to such consequences. The immigration deportation initiatives have already been funded to the tune of approximately $75 billion in the comprehensive bill signed last summer. Therefore, this approach simply doesn’t make sense—it’s about as foolish as it gets.

Moreover, with all due respect to Senator Chuck Schumer and his Democratic colleagues, they have effectively become the party of open borders. During the Biden administration, estimates suggest that between 10 to 15 million undocumented immigrants have entered the country. Consequently, I hope that the discussions among the White House, Senate Republicans, and Senate Democrats proceed with caution regarding immigration laws and border security.

Mr. Trump successfully closed the border using the resources of ICE, DHS, and CBP. In just one year, over 675,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported, and an additional 2.2 million have self-deported. Remarkably, this was achieved without new legislation; it merely required a strong President who leveraged existing laws and garnered significant public support to enforce border security.

There are numerous laws already in place addressing the most dangerous criminals and the heinous activities perpetrated by undocumented immigrants and their gangs, including drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and murder.

Consider the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, who has stated he won’t enforce federal immigration laws. This raises a critical question: laws are laws and should be enforced. If someone is in the country illegally, the likelihood of deportation is high. It’s important to note that sanctuary cities do not provide true sanctuary; federal law supersedes local or state laws in cases of conflict.

My point is that Democrats may seek to alter immigration laws as a bargaining chip in negotiations to avoid a shutdown. Given the Democratic Party’s history of open border policies, Republicans should approach any such deal with skepticism. The GOP must remain steadfast on immigration, especially with the midterms approaching and the left attempting to revert to their destructive open border stance.

The management of ICE, DHS, and related agencies, as handled by Tom Homan in Minneapolis, is a separate issue. He will manage those resources as he sees fit, under the President’s guidance. However, this is distinct from altering deportation or immigration laws. With the border effectively closed, there will eventually be an opportunity for a national dialogue about citizenship, meritocracy, English proficiency, knowledge of American history, tax obligations, and other criteria for legal immigration.

Addressing legal immigration is essential, but it should not be rushed in the next 24 or 48 hours merely to avert a shutdown. It certainly should not be in response to the left-wing Democratic Party’s open border proposals, which voters decisively rejected in November 2024. It’s crucial to disregard the Schumer open border agenda.