Immigration Flashcards
$118 Million Immigration Bill
In early February, there was a $118 billion bipartisan bill released by a group of senators that aims to address both foreign aid and the immigration system in the United States. The bill includes significant funding for overseas aid, with allocations such as $60.6 billion for Ukraine’s war against Russia, $14.1 billion for Israel, $10 billion in humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, Palestine, and Gaza, and $4.83 billion for countries in the Indo-Pacific. Regarding immigration, the bill allocates $20.23 billion for the southern border, focusing on increasing immigration restrictions, enforcement, and implementing new migrant policies. The legislation is designed to link foreign aid and immigration policy to garner sufficient bipartisan support. It introduces new emergency border powers, giving the secretary of homeland security authority to declare emergencies, modify “catch and release” policies, and enhance immigration review. The bill also includes measures to address the flow of fentanyl and offers a path to permanent legal status for Afghan nationals evacuated after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. The bipartisan border deal presented in the Senate initially appears aligned with former President Donald Trump’s stance, proposing significant changes to immigration law, such as heightened standards for asylum seekers and granting emergency authority to the Department of Homeland Security to deny asylum in case of excessive border crossings. However, Trump has already opposed the deal, likely hindering its progress in the House of Representatives, and electoral politics seems to be the driving force. Trump, eyeing the upcoming November election, is reluctant to support immigration reform, given the surge in border arrests in December, which he exploits to criticize President Joe Biden’s competency and advocate against “open borders.” Anti-immigration sentiments have bolstered Trump’s GOP support, making immigration a favorable issue for him against Biden. Despite Biden’s historically poor approval ratings on immigration, especially after the surge in arrests, Democrats largely continue to support his handling of the issue. However, the protracted border crisis benefits Trump politically, as immigration levels may influence the significance of the immigration issue in the 2024 election, particularly among independent voters, whose support Biden needs to secure. Consequently, resolving the border issue becomes crucial for Democrats, while Trump aims to keep it alive for strategic electoral advantage.
Harris said she’d sign the bipartisan border bill that Trump stopped. Here’s what’s in it - Yahoo News - August 30, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris voiced support for a bipartisan Senate immigration bill that aimed to overhaul the immigration system, reduce undocumented migration, and address various immigration and border control issues. Although the bill gained initial support from some Republicans and the National Border Patrol Council, it ultimately failed due to opposition from former President Donald Trump.
Key Features of the Bill:
• Border Emergency Authority: Allows a president to deport migrants crossing outside official points and deny asylum applications if crossings exceed 4,000 per day for a week. • Stricter Asylum Requirements: Requires asylum seekers to show a “reasonable possibility” of prevailing in initial screenings and justify why they cannot move to a safer area within their home country. • Border Wall Funding: Allocates unspent funds toward additional construction of the Southern border wall. • Increased Staffing: Adds over 1,500 Customs and Border Protection agents, 4,300 asylum officers, and 100 immigration judges. • Expanded Detention Capacity: Funds new facilities to increase bed capacity from 40,000 to 50,000 for detained migrants. • Anti-Fentanyl Technology: Funds installation of 100 inspection machines at entry points to detect drugs like fentanyl. • Funding for Local Communities: Provides $1.4 billion for local support services and expedites work permits for asylum seekers.
