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Secure and Protect Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 425
One of the key provisions of the Secure and Protect Act is the strengthening of border security measures. This includes increasing funding for border patrol agents, improving surveillance technology along the border, and constructing physical barriers where necessary. The bill also aims to crack down on illegal immigration by implementing stricter penalties for individuals who enter the country unlawfully.
In addition to border security measures, the Secure and Protect Act also addresses cybersecurity concerns. The bill includes provisions to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure, such as power grids and financial systems, from cyber attacks. It also seeks to improve information sharing between government agencies and private sector entities to better defend against cyber threats. Furthermore, the Secure and Protect Act includes provisions to combat human trafficking and drug smuggling. The bill allocates resources to support law enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute individuals involved in these criminal activities. It also includes measures to provide assistance to victims of human trafficking and drug abuse. Overall, the Secure and Protect Act of 2023 aims to strengthen national security and protect American citizens from a range of threats. By enhancing border security, improving cybersecurity measures, and combating human trafficking and drug smuggling, this bill seeks to safeguard the well-being of the country and its residents.
Congressional Summary of S 425
Secure and Protect Act of 2023
This bill makes changes to the handling of unaccompanied alien children and asylum applications. (Aliens is the term in federal law used to describe non-U.S. nationals.)
The Flores settlement (a court settlement imposing conditions on the treatment of detained alien minors) shall not restrict any activities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall have sole discretion as to the conditions of detention for such minors.
Statutory provisions governing the handling of unaccompanied alien children from U.S.-bordering countries shall now govern all unaccompanied alien children. The bill provides for requirements relating to the handling of such children. Certain immigration officer determinations relating to unaccompanied alien children shall be unreviewable.
DHS may detain accompanied alien children while removal proceedings are pending (some courts have ruled that Flores limits the detention of certain children to 20 days). States may not impose licensing requirements for family detention facilities.
An unaccompanied alien child may not be released from custody while immigration or removal proceedings are pending, with some exceptions.
The bill limits asylum eligibility to individuals entering the United States at a designated port of entry and provides for additional grounds for asylum ineligibility. A credible fear of persecution is redefined to mean that it is more likely than not that the individual would be able to establish eligibility for asylum.
The Department of State must establish refugee application and processing centers in Mexico and Central America.
The bill also requires the hiring of additional immigration judges, support staff, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorneys.
