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When President Trump stepped into office, he wasted no time taking action on immigration. On day one, he kept his campaign promises. He signed a series of executive orders that addressed the border crisis head-on. He also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, put an end to the disastrous "catch and release" policy, and committed to finishing the border wall—a promise he made and kept to the American people.
These moves sent a clear message: This administration is serious about securing the border.
But while executive orders make headlines, it is also time for my fellow Republicans to deliver the long-term solutions Americans deserve that future presidents can't unravel with a stroke of a pen. The truth is, our immigration system is outdated, inefficient, and overburdened. It demands a comprehensive legislative overhaul, and Congress needs to step up to the plate.
Let's be clear: The last time we saw an attempt at meaningful immigration reform was nearly four decades ago. Since then, we've seen political posturing but little progress. Polls consistently show that Americans want change. For the first time in decades, a majority of Americans say they favor reducing immigration levels. Frustration is mounting, and for good reason. Just 18 percent of Americans believe the government is handling the migrant crisis effectively.
The reality is that we need smart immigration to support President Trump's plans to bring back long-lasting economic growth to American soil. But we have to earn the trust back of Americans when it comes to national security.
One of the biggest hurdles we face is staffing. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been under-resourced and overworked for years. Despite the growing number of encounters with noncitizens at the border, CBP has struggled to meet its staffing goals. High attrition rates, a grueling 12-step hiring process, and low morale are taking a toll. It's no wonder CBP ranked near the bottom in the 2023 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings.
To its credit, CBP has taken steps to address these issues. In January 2024, the agency increased recruiting incentives for Border Patrol agents, offering $20,000 bonuses—and even more for those willing to work in remote locations. President Trump's plan to hire 10,000 additional agents and provide retention bonuses is another step in the right direction. But it's not enough. The average time-to-hire for CBP officers is an astonishing 578 days. This process needs to be streamlined immediately. Moving more steps of the hiring process online—including interviews, entrance exams, and background checks—is essential to cutting down on delays and bringing new agents on board faster.
Then there's the issue of backlogs. Right now, nearly 4 million immigration cases are stuck in limbo. The backlog has doubled over the past decade, and the system is grinding to a halt. Immigration court rulings aren't just bureaucratic decisions; they impact families, businesses, and our economy. When cases drag on for years, it undermines faith in the system and incentivizes illegal immigration. Why wait in line if you can bypass the system altogether?
Part of the problem is a severe shortage of immigration judges. Deportation orders require decisions from immigration courts, but chronic underfunding and understaffing have created a bottleneck. Americans understand this. A majority believe that hiring more judges and staff would improve the system. They're right.
Border security and immigration are broken, and they must both be addressed simultaneously. Americans have had enough of government failures on this issue. The time for piecemeal solutions and temporary fixes is over.
President Trump has the mandate and the opportunity to lead. It's time for Congress to get to work and pass a comprehensive solution that secures our borders, streamlines the process, and restores faith in our government's ability to manage immigration effectively.
A strong, lawful immigration system isn't just about enforcement; it's about opportunity. America thrives when we attract the best and brightest from around the world. When Congress can deliver alongside the president, America will experience a stronger economy, enhanced national security, and a secure future as the beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.
Sean Spicer served as President Donald Trump's first White House press secretary and is currently the host of The Sean Spicer Show.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
