Republican representatives passed a bill in the House that seeks to extend the wall on the border with Mexico and restrict access to asylum, coinciding with the lifting of the pandemic-related border restriction. The Republican Party accuses the Democrats of losing operational control of the border, claiming that this allows the entry of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid.
Taking advantage of the situation, Republicans introduced the Border Security Act of 2023 in the House of Representatives, although it is unlikely to succeed in the Senate, where Democrats have a majority. President Joe Biden has already indicated that he will veto the bill if it reaches his desk.
The approved bill contemplates the resumption of the construction of the border wall initiated by former President Donald Trump. In addition, it establishes obstacles to accessing temporary humanitarian permits and asylum. It requires asylum seekers to have previously filed an application in a transit country and had it denied. It also prohibits the processing of applications that are not made at a port of entry and tightens requirements for credible fear interviews, which assess the risk of persecution or torture if the person returns to his or her country. In addition, it establishes a $50 fee per asylum application.
The bill also authorizes the detention of migrant families in detention centers until an immigration judge resolves their cases. In terms of deportation, the Republicans approve the expulsion of migrants to a country that is neither their nationality nor the last one in which they resided.
On the economic front, the bill calls for the creation of an electronic system for businesses to verify employees’ work permits.
Although this bill is not likely to succeed, it could serve as a starting point for future negotiations between the parties on immigration reform, an issue that has been pending for decades. Last week, a group of senators introduced a bill backed by Republicans and moderate Democrats that seeks to extend Title 42 for two years, regardless of any public health emergency.