Pompeo: America's Interest is Priority for Setting Immigration Policy

Statement

Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS) commented today on the op-ed he wrote with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), published in the Wall Street Journal, regarding the lessons Americans should learn from the migrant crisis in Europe.

"As we debate immigration in America, it is important to examine the examples of Sweden and Norway, and how they have handled the migrant crisis from the Middle East and Africa remarkably differently. Sweden opted for a completely open immigration policy that has put tremendous strain on their entitlement programs, cities and towns. Norway did the exact opposite, closely controlling who comes into the country. The difference in results as it pertains to the citizens of both countries has been stark.

"Norwegian leaders focused on the needs of its people and acted smartly to the migration crisis. Today their country is safe and stable. Conversely, Swedish leaders cared more about global opinion than the needs of Swedes and now their country faces economic, social, and political upheaval.

"The parallels to our immigration debates are clear. Failing to put the needs of the American people first in the immigration policies is dangerous, reckless, and unwise. American elites need to learn this lesson, and quickly."

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