South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is now awaiting a vote by the full U.S. Senate for her nomination as the next Homeland Security Secretary. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, questioned her during last week’s confirmation hearing and liked what he heard.

“Is the southern border secure as we find it today?” Hawley asked. Noem answered, “Senator, no, the southern border is not secure today, but in just three days, we will have a new president in this country, President Donald J. Trump, and he will secure our border.”

“That is refreshing candor, I’m glad to hear it,” Hawley replied.

Noem also told Hawley that she supports bringing back the “Remain in Mexico” policy for illegal immigrants while making it easier for immigrants who try to enter the U.S. through legal ports of entry.

“We will go back to case-by-case evaluation of these parole cases and ensure that we have more resources – if you will partner with us – to make sure that our legal immigration system is fully utilized, that we have more judges, more immigration courts, so that we can process people legally,” she said.

Noem’s nomination passed the Senate Homeland Security committee 13-2, with two Democrats voting “no.” Sen. Reuben Gallego, D-Arizona, expressed concerns about Noem’s support for President Trump’ planned mass deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records.

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