Should Congress implement stricter immigration enforcement and border security?
This bill aims to enhance U.S. border security and reform immigration policies. Key provisions include restarting construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, limiting eligibility for asylum, imposing penalties for visa overstays, and authorizing the removal of individuals to countries other than their home nations. Additionally, the bill allows immigration officers to permit unaccompanied children to withdraw their applications for admission into the U.S. The bill is presented as a comprehensive solution to regain operational control of the border and improve national security.
Sponsor: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, Florida, District 26)
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Opponents say
• "H.R. 2 does nothing to address the root causes of migration, reduces humanitarian protections, and restricts lawful pathways, which are critical alternatives to unlawful entry. The bill would cut off nearly all access to humanitarian protections in ways that are inconsistent with our Nation’s values and international obligations. The bill would also reduce authorized funding for essential programs including the Shelter and Services Program that provides a critical source of funds for state and local governments and reduces pressure at the border. While we welcome Congress’ engagement on meaningful steps to address immigration and the challenges at the border, this bill would make things worse, not better." Source: Executive Office of The President, Statement of Administration Policy
Proponents say
• "Today, I am proud to introduce…a border security and immigration reform package that will provide real, thoughtful solutions to restore order at the Southwest border, enhance our national security, and most importantly, protect unaccompanied minors– something that the Administration has refused to acknowledge and failed to act upon. Border security is national security, and since the Biden Administration has lacked the leadership to uphold our national security, regain control of our immigration process, or secure our borders, I am proud to lead this effort in the House and deliver on the promise made as a member of the American Security Task Force in Congress." Source: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, Florida, District 26)
• "The legislation will: Force the Biden Administration to restart construction of the border wall; Deploy technology to the southern and northern border; Increase the number of Border Patrol agents and provide bonus pay; Require transparency regarding illegal crossings from the Department of Homeland Security; Strengthen current law to protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking; End catch and release; End abuse of executive immigration authority; and Strengthen and streamline the asylum process." Source: Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Republican, California, District 20)
- Mario Diaz-Balart Introduces the "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (Press Release)
- H.R. 2 Cost Estimate (Congressional Budget Office)
- 5 Things to Know about the Border Bill at the Heart of GOP Shutdown Threats (The Hill)
- White House Says House GOP Border Bill is a Nonstarter (Law360)
- Border Bill’s Immigration Demands Would Likely Doom Aid to Ukraine (Forbes)
- How Americans View the Situation at the U.S.-Mexico Border, Its Causes and Consequences (Pew Research)
- Rep. Mario Diaz Balart’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
