GOP Says Sanctuary Policies Benefit Nobody

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., is warning that Democratic immigration policies are creating unnecessary risks for American families, particularly when it comes to who is permitted to operate large commercial vehicles on U.S. highways.

The Wisconsin Republican argued Wednesday that sanctuary policies and benefits extended to illegal immigrants have gone too far, saying public safety and the interests of American citizens should come first.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “National Report,” Van Orden focused on the controversy surrounding commercial driver’s licenses and whether drivers who struggle to understand English-language road signs should be operating massive trucks.

Van Orden Raises Commercial Truck Safety Concerns

Van Orden called the situation deeply troubling, arguing that the ability to understand road signs should be a basic requirement for anyone entrusted with a commercial vehicle.

Commercial trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and Van Orden said the potential consequences become even more serious when those vehicles are traveling at highway speeds.

He pointed to his own military experience overseas to explain why he believes the requirement should be common sense.

Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, said he spent three years stationed in Germany and was required to take a driving test that included German-language road signs before he could legally drive there.

He questioned why the United States should expect anything less from people operating much larger and potentially more dangerous commercial vehicles.

For Van Orden, the issue is not simply about immigration. He framed it as a matter of road safety, licensing standards and the government’s responsibility to protect the public.

Family’s Testimony Brings Human Cost Into Focus

Van Orden’s comments followed emotional testimony Tuesday on Capitol Hill from Marcus Coleman, whose daughter was left disabled following an accident involving a driver who was in the country illegally.

Coleman criticized Democratic lawmakers during the hearing, accusing them of publicly expressing sympathy while failing to personally contact him about what happened to his family.

The testimony provided Republicans with another example in their broader argument that immigration policies can have serious consequences for American families.

Van Orden accused Democrats of spending too much time protecting illegal immigrants and too little time listening to citizens who say they have been harmed by failures involving immigration enforcement.

He also criticized policies that provide government benefits or protections to people living in the country illegally, arguing that taxpayer resources and government attention should be directed toward American citizens first.

Laken Riley Case Remains Part of Immigration Debate

Van Orden also invoked the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, whose death became one of the most prominent cases in the national debate over illegal immigration and public safety.

He accused Democratic politicians of quickly speaking out when illegal immigrants face enforcement actions while failing to show the same urgency when Americans become victims.

“The time for this nonsense is over,” Van Orden said.

His comments reflect a larger Republican argument that immigration policy should be judged not only by what happens at the southern border, but also by its effects on communities, taxpayers and public safety throughout the country.

Immigration Could Be Major Midterm Issue

With the midterm elections approaching, Van Orden believes voters will have an opportunity to deliver their verdict on the country’s immigration policies.

He portrayed the election as a choice between two fundamentally different approaches.

Republicans are pushing an enforcement-focused agenda centered on border security, stronger immigration laws and putting the interests of American citizens first. Van Orden characterized the Democratic approach as favoring sanctuary policies and expanded benefits and protections for illegal immigrants.

The congressman predicted that voters frustrated with the direction of immigration policy will make their concerns clear at the ballot box.

“It’s time for Americans to stand up for Americans,” Van Orden said.

Public Safety Takes Center Stage

The debate over commercial driver’s licenses adds another dimension to the larger immigration fight.

For many voters, the issue is no longer limited to border crossings. Questions involving highway safety, government benefits, law enforcement and accountability have increasingly become part of the conversation.

Van Orden’s message is straightforward: Regardless of where someone comes from, anyone entrusted with a massive commercial vehicle should meet rigorous safety standards and be able to understand the rules of the road.

And when government officials write immigration and licensing policies, he argues their first obligation should be protecting the American public.

As the midterm elections draw closer, Republicans are likely to continue making that America-first argument — and asking voters whether Washington is doing enough to put the safety and interests of U.S. citizens first.