Proposed Border Bill by U.S. House Republicans Revealed

The proposed border bill, referred to as the Secure the Border Act of 2023, takes content from three separate bills from the House Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary committees. Overall, the proposal takes a more conservative approach to U.S. immigration. The bill includes raising the credible fear standard, limiting the President’s ability to leverage parole programs, giving the U.S. the option to detain unaccompanied minors for up to 30 days, activating the border wall construction project, and renegotiating the Remain in Mexico program. These efforts are aimed at limiting U.S. immigration at the southern border, primarily.

The proposed credible fear standard for asylum seekers requires individuals to prove they are more likely than not to qualify for asylum. Currently, asylum seekers must prove a significant likelihood they will qualify.

The House Republicans claim the southern border is not secure and with the impending end of COVID-19 restrictions, Title 42, an influx of migrants is expected. The Biden Administration continues to emphasize the need for comprehensive immigration reform. They suggest the use of technology will improve enforcement. Other updates, including opening regional processing centers abroad to limit dangerous travel to the U.S. border only to be turned away upon arrival, are underway to address the expected influx.

The Biden administration uses parole programs to address the legal migration of individuals from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Ukrainians. The program offers two years of work authorization and residence in the U.S., providing individuals have sponsors in the U.S. The sponsors agree to provide financially for the migrants as well as supporting them during their transition. These programs would be greatly limited under the proposed bill.

ILBSG continues to monitor proposed policy updates as well as changes to U.S. immigration policy to ensure our clients get the right advice for their particular situations. If you have questions about your immigration status or any immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG.