“I fear that we will have to look at more aggressive options to ensure that our laws are adequate, to return irregular migrants quickly and to stop people coming to the UK,” Jenrick told BBC radio.
“The UK cannot be a magnet for economic migrants,” he said.
Around 40,000 people have made the perilous crossing from the mainland to England via the English Channel so far this year, and the government predicts that number will reach 50,000 by the end of the year.
Jenrick spoke out after Interior Minister Suella Braverman sparked controversy on Monday for referring to the influx of migrants as an “invasion”.
Asked about Braverman’s comments, Jenrick told Sky News: “In a position like mine, you have to choose your words very carefully.”
“I would never demonize people who come to this country in search of a better life. I understand and appreciate our obligation to refugees,” he said.
The UK has a deal with Rwanda to allow irregular asylum seekers to wait in the African country while their applications are processed.
Currently, the controversial deal is on hold following a ruling by the European Court of Justice.
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