Democrats strike down COVID testing requirement for illegal immigrants

The proposal, called the REACT Act, was introduced twice this year, the first time being in March. On both occasions, it was blocked by House Democrats, despite a record-level surge in illegal migration over the summer of 2021.

"Today, I offered my REACT Act on the House floor, which would require DHS to give a COVID test to everyone crossing our border illegally. The majority chose to block this common-sense bill that would ensure the health and safety of border patrol and border communities."

"To quote directly from the report: 'CBP does not conduct COVID 19 testing for migrants who enter CBP custody and is not required to do so.'"

"The report further stated that: 'We recommend DHS reassess its COVID 19 response framework to identify areas for improvement to mitigate the spread of COVID 19 while balancing its primary mission of securing the border.'"

"Currently, everyone legally entering the United States by plane is required to display a negative test for COVID 19. Why aren’t we requiring this of those who come here illegally?"

"Numerous public health officials – and I am one – have stated that the failure of US authorities to test adult migrants for the coronavirus in jam-packed border processing centers is creating the potential for new transmissions, including among migrants who may have arrived healthy at America's door."

Rep. Miller Meeks then went on to point out that people coming in from Afghanistan "rightly" have to undergo COVID testing and even get the vaccine upon arrival.

She then mentions that, according to the Department of Homeland Security itself, absolutely none of the 15,000-plus migrants who have been processed recently in Del Rio Texas have had any testing whatsoever.

"... The current lack of testing at our border is completely irresponsible and unacceptable. It puts the health and safety of CBP, border communities, migrants and all Americans at risk."