President Joe Biden claimed that the bipartisan Senate border bill from February was the “toughest, most efficient, most effective border security bill” ever.
Critics argued, however, that the bill actually expanded pathways for illegal immigration by mandating catch-and-release and would fail to curb migrant flows.
“You know and I know it’s the toughest, most efficient, most effective border security bill this country’s ever seen. So instead of playing politics with the issue, why don’t we just get together and get it done?” Biden said.
As to the substance of the “border emergency authority,” it appears to be left to the discretionary whims of Secretary Mayorkas—who, I might add, is currently being impeached for failing to actually enforce existing law.
This is asinine. pic.twitter.com/3Q7Vj58odr
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 5, 2024
“It would give me, as President, a new emergency authority to shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed,” Biden said. “And if given that authority, I would use it the day I sign the bill into law.”
Key points critics made include: the bill forced release of migrants claiming asylum and expanded parole; funded transport/shelter for migrants rather than deterrence; and created thousands of new asylum officers likely to approve claims outside of court oversight.
The law creates a “new section 235B to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and create[s] something called ‘Provisional Noncustodial Removal Proceedings’ (PNRP),” former immigration judge Andrew Arthur wrote.
While Democrats said it improved standards, the bill also aided migrants with attorneys and fast-tracked work permits.
Many noted that the bill weakened enforcement and incentivized illegal border crossings by failing to detain or deport arrivals.
Critics characterized the legislation as prioritizing the interests of pro-immigration activists, business groups seeking cheaper foreign labor, and Democratic political goals over those of American citizens.
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