FAIR Applauds the Confirmation of William Barr as U.S. Attorney General

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), regarding the confirmation of William Barr as U.S. Attorney General:

"At a time when immigration is the most pressing domestic policy issue, it is critical to have an individual at the helm of the Department of Justice who has a deep understanding of the issues and a strong commitment of the rule of law. William Barr is precisely such an individual and will ably pick up where his predecessor, Jeff Sessions, left off.

"Wide spread abuse of our nation's political system and border security are two of the critical issues that the Department of Justice will have to deal with. Asylum abuse and border chaos are directly responsible for the paralysis of our federal court system. Unless decisive action is taken, the situation will only worsen. Former Attorney General Sessions took important first steps toward undoing reckless policy decisions made under the Obama administration that touched-off the unprecedented asylum fraud that is straining our nation's legal system.

"Attorney General Barr, as far back as the early 1990s, when he served in the same capacity under President George H.W. Bush, attempted to curb asylum abuse. Under his leadership, asylum abusers were quickly turned around and returned home – policies that were continued, and even strengthened, under the Clinton administration. In 2019, the abuse is exponentially worse, and threatens the ability of our federal judiciary to function.

"The attorney general also recognizes the urgent need to secure our nation's borders. During his recent confirmation hearings, Barr affirmed his commitment to having effective border barriers in place to curb chaotic illegal immigration and to interdict narcotics and other contraband coming across the border.

"FAIR is heartened that a man of principle, with a firm grasp of the issues, will be leading the Department of Justice and carrying forward the reforms initiated by former Attorney General Sessions. We look forward to working with him and the administration to restore integrity and fairness to our nation's immigration policies."

Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004

ABOUT FAIR          

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 2 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)