Ted Cruz told CBS' Face the Nation that America knows how to solve the problem of illegal immigration but lacks the political will to fix it.

"If you go and you talk with law enforcement," Cruz said, "the number one most effective tool that works is 'boots on the ground.' That's why I filed legislation to triple to border patrol. I was very glad to see Donald Trump agrees with that proposal."

Cruz also called for aerial surveillance on the border including the use of new technologies.

But noting that 40% of illegal immigration comes from visa overstays, Cruz called for biometric entry and exit requirements to monitor who crosses the border.

In another part of the interview Cruz also called for an end to birthright citizenship of the children of illegals and defended religious liberty, including those being forced out of their businesses by LGBTQ activists.