Calling President Biden’s immigration policies at the southern border a “disaster,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he will be reintroducing two pieces of legislation that are aimed at countering the effects of the massive waves of illegal immigration.

“President Biden’s immigration policies have created a disaster at our southern border,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “These two pieces of legislation will counteract the illegal immigration magnets created by the president while protecting American jobs and communities across the country.

“Cracking down on those who exploit the work visa program and punishing cities that refuse to comply with immigration laws are two commonsense ways we can begin to reverse President Biden’s border crisis.”

The first bill that is being reintroduced by Tuberville is the Visa Reform Act, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). This legislation, if passed, would reduce the fraud and abuse of high-skilled work visas by eliminating loopholes in the visa system. The bill would also strengthen protections for American workers and require more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers.

The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), would withhold certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and sanctuary states, which forbid local law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials. By reducing the number of these so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions, illegal immigrants will be less inclined to enter the United States.

In February 2018, a bipartisan majority of senators voted in support of the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, but it did not receive the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.