WASHINGTON—Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement today responding to Thursday’s Department of Homeland Security announcement that the United States and Mexico had reached an agreement that will help solve the migrant crisis:

“I applaud Secretary Nielsen’s announcement yesterday of the Migration Protection Protocol. For too long our asylum system has been overloaded and subject to serious abuse. The Administration’s new policy is a strong first step toward solving these problems and putting the system on a more sustainable footing,” Lee said.

“The new protocol also shows what close cooperation with Mexico on migrant issues - something I have been strongly encouraging on both sides of the border - can accomplish. Going forward, my hope is that Congress follows the Administration’s example and enacts permanent changes to our asylum system,” Lee continued.

“I firmly believe both in the rule of law and that America should provide sanctuary for legitimate asylum seekers who suffer persecution in their home countries. The MPP advances both of these objectives, and is a great first step toward much needed reform of our asylum system.”

Sen. Lee visited Mexico twice in the last two months. You can read more about his trips here.