Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania has openly criticized his party's approach to the southern U.S. border, Breitbart reported.
He believes that the current handling of immigration under the Biden administration is not acceptable and has expressed support for some of Donald Trump's past security measures.
Fetterman participated in a conversation with Republican Senator Dave McCormick at the Senate Project, which was co-hosted by the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation.
During this engagement, Fetterman voiced his concerns over the large numbers of illegal immigrants entering through the southern border. He highlighted what he sees as a mishandling by his party, citing tens of thousands crossing the border during Biden’s administration.
He described the situation with the influx of newcomers, ranging from 267,000 to 300,000, as alarming. Fetterman compared these numbers to the population of Pittsburgh, calling this level of immigration chaotic and a threat to national security.
Additionally, Fetterman's stance echoed past proposals from President Trump, particularly the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which aimed to allocate approximately $150 billion towards border security measures.
Despite his critique, Fetterman emphasized the necessity of securing the border through substantial investments. He insists that ensuring border security should not contradict being pro-immigration.
Fetterman's comments have placed him at odds with many within his party and its base. Nevertheless, he remains firm that both security and immigration can coexist within national policy frameworks.
Fetterman has stated his enduring commitment to immigration, affirming that while he desires to preserve the American Dream for migrants, it's challenging to manage so many people arriving monthly.
Senator Fetterman also shared his views in an interview with Fox News host Shannon Bream. Here, he further articulated his dissatisfaction with how border issues have been handled politically.
In particular, he drew attention to the ongoing challenges faced at the southern border, reinforcing his pro-immigration perspective alongside advocating for secure policies.
Moreover, he maintained that although his opinions might clash with those of some Democrats, his fundamental beliefs remain unchanged.
In a previous interview with CNN conducted in January 2024, Fetterman shed light on the complex dilemmas of managing the country's borders while continuing to accommodate migration dreams.
He acknowledged the difficulties posed by an influx of nearly 300,000 every month amid managerial constraints at the federal and local levels.
