John Thune on Immigration

John Thune's core position on immigration centers on the belief that border security is an essential component of national security. He supports robust enforcement policies, citing the need to prevent illegal entry by gang members, human traffickers, and drug dealers across a porous southern border. The Senator has expressed that a nation of laws must enforce those laws, and he points to Republican-led legislative investments—such as funding for wall completion, technology, and expanded detention capacity—as critical to restoring order.

Beyond enforcement, Thune views the immigration system as needing improvement, supporting temporary worker programs like the H-2B visa to supplement domestic workforces in sectors like tourism. His recent commentary contrasts sharply with the perceived crisis under previous administrations, celebrating significant drops in border encounters and reductions in illegal releases following Republican-led actions. While acknowledging the nation's history as one of immigrants, his focus remains squarely on securing the current border and ensuring the sustainability of those security measures.