The House of Representatives passes a GOP package to improve border security and overhaul the asylum process
The Republican-led House of Representatives passed a significant and far-reaching resolution on Thursday border security and asylum reform package, just as the US prepares for a new refugee influx with the imminent end of Title 42.
The Secure the Border Act was a month-long attempt to redeem promises made during the 2022 midterm elections to both secure the besieged southern border and improve the immigration and asylum process, which Republicans say is being exploited.
The bill marks another major victory for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and includes measures to restart border wall construction and increase the number of border patrol officers.
MATAMOROS, MEXICO – MAY 11: Migrants speak with members of the Texas National Guard and other law enforcement officers after crossing the Rio Grande River to try to enter the United States on May 11, 2023 in Matamoros, Mexico. (Joe Raedle)
It would also enshrine the Trump-era Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), changing laws related to unaccompanied children and limiting the federal government’s use of humanitarian probation.
The House of Representatives hoped to pass the bill in the winter, but Republicans struggled to find a consensus.
It comes just hours before the expiry of the Title 42 health regulation, which has prompted migrants to flock to the border hoping to be released to the United States when the regulation expires.
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