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SECURE America Act
12/15/2023, 3:53 PM
Summary of Bill HR 194
One of the key provisions of the SECURE America Act is the allocation of additional funding for border security measures, including the construction of physical barriers along the US-Mexico border. This funding would also be used to increase the number of border patrol agents and improve surveillance technology to better monitor and secure the border.
In addition to border security measures, the bill also includes provisions aimed at enhancing immigration enforcement. This includes increasing penalties for individuals who overstay their visas, cracking down on employers who hire undocumented immigrants, and implementing stricter measures to prevent visa fraud. Furthermore, the SECURE America Act includes provisions to improve information sharing and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to better identify and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to national security. Overall, the SECURE America Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to strengthen national security by enhancing border security and immigration enforcement measures. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its passage could have significant implications for US national security policy.
Congressional Summary of HR 194
Safeguards Ensuring Criminal and Unvetted Refugees don't Enter America Act or the SECURE America Act
This bill imposes restrictions on the admission of aliens, including refugees, and addresses related issues.
Specifically, no refugees may be admitted until Congress enacts a joint resolution setting the maximum number of refugees allowed to be admitted in a particular fiscal year. Currently, that number is set each fiscal year by the President.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must notify Congress at least 30 days before determining that an alien or class of aliens is eligible for refugee status. Congress may nullify the determination by enacting a joint resolution of disapproval.
Further, an alien shall be inadmissible for holding certain beliefs, such as (1) believing that a system of religious law should be implemented in the United States, (2) believing that the alien does not need to learn English if the alien is not already fluent, or (3) any belief that the Department of State determines is incompatible with the principles of the United States.
DHS may not parole into the United States an alien who does not have status under immigration law. Currently, DHS may provide parole in certain instances, including for urgent humanitarian reasons.
Federal agencies must notify a state at least 30 days before resettling a refugee in that state. The refugee may not be resettled in that state if the state expresses disapproval.
An alien who has committed a crime of violence (generally one involving the use or threat of physical violence against person or property) may not be eligible for refugee status and must be removed.
