Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

Oct. 25, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Illegal Immigration and Protecting the Border

As we get closer to Election Day, a policy that keeps coming to the forefront of our political discourse is the need to protect the border and control the flow of illegal immigration into this country. Border security is critical to our national security, the safety of our communities and the protection of the many people crossing the border. 

Let me be clear, I support immigration when it is done legally. I believe many great people, including many of our ancestors, came to this country as immigrants. I also believe that when done illegally it poses a great risk to both those immigrating and those already living here.

Unregulated and unprotected borders lead to an increase in criminal activities, such as smuggling. America cannot cede control of the border to the cartels that are working to ship illegal drugs across the border, poisoning people and polluting our streets. I believe if illegal immigration goes unchecked, it also increases the risk that foreign adversaries or terrorists will use the unprotected border as a means to enter the United States and hurt our nation. It is essential for the national security of America that its borders are well protected.

We also cannot ignore the contributions to human misery that can result from unregulated borders. Many people who come across illegally are preyed upon by human traffickers and drug cartels, forced into unimaginable situations. Their vulnerability easily exploited because they are aware they lack the protections of the law. Immigration under the rule of law and under the protections of the government prevents criminal enterprises from using and abusing people.

It is my hope that this election will send a strong message to Washington that Missouri is tired of an unprotected border. That we want the federal government to fulfill their duties and protect our nation. Washington is often divided between two parties and competing interests on different issues, but I hope common ground can be found on this issue. I believe they can come together to protect our country. 

We are a nation of immigrants. I am in favor of legal immigration into our country, of bringing the best and brightest of the world to the United States. I want us to continue to be a place where immigrants can build a new, prosperous life. A life built on the values of freedom and liberty that we hold so dear. But it must be done the correct way – legally and safely. The current situation at the border is untenable and action must be taken to regain control. To end illegal immigration and terminate all smuggling operations.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.