Pritzker Blames Both Parties for Broken Immigration System in Congress Testimony

Key Takeaways

• On June 12, 2025, Governor Pritzker testifies blaming both parties for immigration system failures.
• House Republicans criticize sanctuary policies, urging penalties and stricter federal enforcement.
• Pending bill proposes $150 billion for enforcement and higher immigrant application fees.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Blames Both Parties for U.S. Immigration System Failures in Congressional Testimony

On June 12, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appeared before the U.S. House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C., to address the ongoing migrant crisis and the role of so-called “sanctuary” states. Alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Pritzker delivered a strong message: the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system is broken, and both Democrats and Republicans share the blame for decades of inaction and failed reforms.

This high-profile hearing, called by House Republicans, put a spotlight on the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and state-level sanctuary policies. The testimony comes at a time of sweeping federal policy changes, a heated budget debate in Congress, and mounting pressure on states like Illinois to manage the influx of migrants arriving from the southern border.

Who, What, When, Where, and Why

Governor JB Pritzker, representing Illinois, testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on June 12, 2025. The hearing focused on how states with sanctuary laws, including Illinois, New York, and Minnesota, are handling the migrant crisis and responding to federal immigration enforcement. Pritzker’s main message was clear: “America’s immigration problems are a result of a bipartisan failure to reform the country’s immigration system and secure the country’s borders.” He called on Congress to work together to fix the system, secure the border, and create real legal pathways for people who want to work and support themselves in the United States 🇺🇸.

Sanctuary State Policies Under Fire

Illinois, New York, and Minnesota have adopted sanctuary policies that limit how much local police and officials can cooperate with federal immigration authorities. These laws are meant to protect undocumented immigrants from being detained or deported simply for minor offenses or for seeking help from local services. Supporters argue that sanctuary policies make communities safer by encouraging immigrants to report crimes and access health care without fear.

However, House Republicans, led by Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-KY), argue that these policies protect “criminal illegal aliens” and put U.S. citizens at risk. During the hearing, Comer and other Republicans pressed the governors to explain why their states should not face penalties or lose federal funding for refusing to cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement.

Federal Policy Shifts: A New Era Under President Trump

Since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, the federal government has moved quickly to reverse many of the immigration policies put in place during President Biden’s administration. Key changes include:

• Stronger Border Enforcement: New executive orders call for more border agents, the construction of a physical wall, and increased use of technology to stop illegal crossings.
• Restricted Asylum Access: The administration has made it harder for people to apply for asylum, rolling back protections that allowed more migrants to stay while their cases were reviewed.
• Suspension of Refugee Admissions: The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is on hold while the government reviews its procedures.
• Challenge to Birthright Citizenship: An executive order seeks to limit birthright citizenship for certain groups, but this order is currently blocked in federal court.

These changes have created confusion and uncertainty for immigrants, advocates, and state officials alike. Many of the new policies are facing legal challenges and may not be fully enforced for months or even years.

Congressional Budget Battle: Billions for Enforcement, Higher Fees for Immigrants

On May 22, 2025, the House passed a budget reconciliation bill that would dramatically reshape immigration enforcement if it becomes law. The bill includes:

• Nearly $150 billion for immigration enforcement—the largest increase in decades.
• Much higher fees for work permits, asylum applications, and appeals, making it more expensive for immigrants to apply for legal status.
• Funding for mass deportations and expanded detention facilities.

The bill is now before the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. Immigration advocates warn that these changes would “effectively shut out” many low-income families, businesses, and asylum seekers from legal pathways. States with sanctuary policies could also face new penalties or lose federal funding if they refuse to share data with federal authorities.

JB Pritzker’s Message: Both Parties Are Responsible

Governor JB Pritzker did not hold back in his testimony. He told Congress that the current crisis is not the fault of any one party or administration. Instead, he said, “America’s immigration problems are a result of a bipartisan failure to reform the country’s immigration system and secure the country’s borders.” Pritzker called for:

• Bipartisan reforms that would secure the border and create real legal pathways for immigrants.
• Federal support for states that are welcoming migrants and helping them integrate into local communities.
• An end to political gamesmanship, including the practice of busing migrants from border states to northern cities as a form of protest.

Pritzker also defended Illinois’ record, pointing to investments in intake and welcome centers, efforts to promote public safety, and programs that help immigrants find work and housing. He argued that sanctuary policies are not about ignoring the law, but about treating people with dignity and keeping communities safe.

Other Key Voices: Governors, Lawmakers, and Advocates

• Governor Kathy Hochul (New York) and Governor Tim Walz (Minnesota): Both governors echoed Pritzker’s call for federal action and defended their states’ sanctuary policies. They argued that these laws help build trust between immigrants and local authorities, making it easier to keep communities safe.
• Rep. James Comer (R-KY): As chair of the Oversight Committee, Comer accused sanctuary states of putting undocumented immigrants ahead of U.S. citizens. He called for stricter enforcement and penalties for states that refuse to cooperate.
• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: In earlier testimony, Johnson highlighted Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance, which aims to integrate migrants and protect them from unnecessary detention or deportation.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem: Recently visited Illinois to criticize Pritzker’s immigration policies, calling her visit a “publicity stunt” by Pritzker’s allies.

The Human Impact: What These Changes Mean for Immigrants and Communities

The debate over immigration policy is not just about laws and budgets—it affects real people every day. Here’s how the latest changes could impact different groups:

• Immigrants and Asylum Seekers: Higher application fees and stricter enforcement could make it much harder for low-income families and individuals to apply for legal status or seek asylum. Many may be forced to remain undocumented, risking detention or deportation.
• Dreamers and TPS Holders: Project 2025 proposals call for ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 700,000 people and removing protections for over half a million DACA recipients (often called “Dreamers”). These changes would leave many long-term residents without legal status or work permits.
• States and Local Governments: Sanctuary states like Illinois face logistical and financial strain as they try to welcome and support new arrivals. If federal penalties are enacted, these states could lose funding for key programs or be forced to share sensitive data with federal authorities.
• Local Communities: Cities and towns are investing in welcome centers and support services, but the ongoing influx of migrants—especially those bused from border states—has stretched resources thin.

Step-by-Step: How Congress and States Are Responding

1. Congressional Hearings: Democratic governors are called to testify about their states’ sanctuary policies and how they are handling the migrant crisis.
2. Written and Oral Testimony: Governors submit detailed statements explaining their policies, the challenges they face, and what they need from the federal government.
3. Committee Questions: Lawmakers from both parties question the governors, often leading to heated exchanges about the impact of sanctuary laws and the broader immigration crisis.
4. Legislative Proposals: Congress debates new enforcement measures, funding increases, and policy changes, many of which are included in the pending budget bill.
5. State Implementation: States continue to operate under their existing sanctuary laws while adapting to new federal directives and legal challenges.

Background: Decades of Stalemate and Policy Swings

The U.S. immigration system has been stuck for decades. Both parties have promised reform, but no comprehensive changes have passed since the 1980s. The system is widely seen as outdated and unable to handle today’s migration patterns or economic needs.

Recent years have seen record numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. States like Texas have responded by busing migrants to northern sanctuary states, creating new political and logistical challenges. Federal policy has swung back and forth, with each new administration changing enforcement priorities and humanitarian protections.

Expert Perspectives: Multiple Sides of the Debate

• Democratic Governors: Argue that sanctuary policies promote public safety, dignity, and economic integration. They say federal inaction is the real cause of the crisis.
• Republican Lawmakers: Claim that sanctuary policies endanger citizens and undermine federal law. They want stricter enforcement and penalties for non-cooperation.
• Immigration Advocates: Warn that fee hikes and more enforcement will “shut out” many from lawful pathways and due process. They urge Congress to reject the current budget bill.
• Legal Experts: Point out that many Trump-era executive orders, especially those affecting birthright citizenship and TPS, are facing legal challenges and may not be fully enforced.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy?

The Senate will soon consider the House-passed budget bill, which could reshape immigration enforcement and funding if it becomes law. Ongoing court battles may delay or block some of the most controversial executive orders, especially those affecting birthright citizenship and TPS.

Despite broad agreement that the system is broken, deep partisan divides make comprehensive reform unlikely in the near future. However, high-profile hearings like the one featuring JB Pritzker, growing public pressure, and the real-world impact on states and communities may force Congress to consider at least some targeted fixes.

Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Stakeholders

• Stay Informed: Immigration policies are changing quickly. For the latest official updates, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
• Check Application Fees: If you are planning to apply for a work permit, asylum, or other immigration benefits, be aware that fees may increase soon if the new budget bill passes.
• Know Your Rights: Sanctuary policies vary by state and city. If you live in a sanctuary state, local officials may not share your information with federal authorities, but this could change if new federal rules are enacted.
• Seek Legal Help: If you are affected by changes to DACA, TPS, or other programs, consult a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted advocacy group for advice.

Official Resources

• For hearing transcripts and updates, visit the U.S. House Oversight Committee website.
• For statements and policy details from Illinois, see the Illinois Governor’s Office.
• For legal analysis and advocacy resources, check the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
• For official immigration forms and policy updates, use the USCIS website.

Conclusion: A System in Crisis, a Call for Bipartisan Action

Governor JB Pritzker’s testimony before Congress marks a turning point in the national debate over immigration. By placing blame on both parties for the bipartisan failure to fix the immigration system, Pritzker challenged lawmakers to move beyond political games and work together for real solutions. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the stakes are high for millions of immigrants, state governments, and the broader American public. The coming months will reveal whether Congress can rise to the challenge—or whether the cycle of blame and inaction will continue.

For now, immigrants, advocates, and state officials must prepare for more changes, higher costs, and ongoing uncertainty. The need for clear, fair, and workable immigration laws has never been greater.

Learn Today

Sanctuary Policies → State laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status) → A federal program granting temporary legal status to immigrants from designated countries due to crises.
Executive Orders → Presidential directives that change government policy without congressional approval, influencing immigration rules.
Birthright Citizenship → Legal principle granting citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., currently challenged by new orders.
Budget Reconciliation Bill → A legislative process allowing expedited passage of budget-related policies, here affecting immigration funding.

This Article in a Nutshell

Governor JB Pritzker condemned bipartisan failures causing the U.S. immigration crisis during a June 2025 hearing. Sanctuary states face criticism amid policy shifts under President Trump. A major budget bill proposes massive enforcement funding and fee hikes, threatening immigrant legal pathways and state sanctuary efforts nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com