US
Us Congress Senate Bill SB696

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB696

Introduced
3/8/23  

Caption

Border Safety and Security Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, SB696 would amend existing immigration statutes to allow the Secretary to unilaterally prohibit the entry of 'covered aliens'—individuals who are inadmissible under specific provisions of immigration law. This legislation would place significant power in the hands of federal authorities, potentially affecting how individuals seeking entry are processed and increasing scrutiny at border points. The implications of such processes could ultimately lead to changes in immigration patterns and policies at a national level.

Summary

SB696, known as the Border Safety and Security Act of 2023, is designed to empower the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend the entry of certain aliens deemed inadmissible at the United States' borders. This bill aims to provide the Secretary with the authority to take necessary measures to achieve what is defined as 'operational control' over the international borders. The bill highlights the emphasis on national security, by allowing for the suspension of entry during periods when detainee resources are unavailable or when the Secretary determines it is necessary for border control.

Contention

The bill may raise substantial points of contention, particularly regarding the balance of power between federal and state authorities. Notably, the act provides state attorneys general with the authority to take action against the Secretary if they believe the enforcement of these provisions adversely affects their residents. This could spark legal disputes about the limits of state power in the context of federal immigration enforcement, raising concerns regarding jurisdiction and the potential for conflicting laws.

Latest SB696 Activity

Companion Bills

US HB29

Related Border Safety and Security Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend the entry of any non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) without valid entry documents during any period when DHS cannot detain such an individual or return the individual to a foreign country contiguous to the United States. A state may sue DHS to enforce this requirement. (Under current law, non-U.S. nationals who arrive at the border without entry documents are generally subject to expedited removal. However, if such an individual is found to have a credible fear of persecution, they are typically subject to detention while their asylum claim is being considered.) The bill also authorizes DHS to suspend the entry of non-U.S. nationals without entry documents at the border if DHS determines that such a suspension is necessary to achieve operational control over such a border.

Previously Filed As

US HB2640

Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023 Legal Workforce Act Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 Visa Overstays Penalties Act Protection of Children Act of 2023 Ensuring United Families at the Border Act Border Safety and Migrant Protection Act of 2023 Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023

US HB2794

Border Reinforcement Act of 2023

US HB5525

Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024 Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024

US HB1187

Civil Aviation Security and Safety Act of 2023

US SB1600

Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act of 2023 Border Management Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023

US SB716

Solving the Border Crisis Act

US HB29

Border Safety and Security Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend the entry of any non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) without valid entry documents during any period when DHS cannot detain such an individual or return the individual to a foreign country contiguous to the United States. A state may sue DHS to enforce this requirement. (Under current law, non-U.S. nationals who arrive at the border without entry documents are generally subject to expedited removal. However, if such an individual is found to have a credible fear of persecution, they are typically subject to detention while their asylum claim is being considered.) The bill also authorizes DHS to suspend the entry of non-U.S. nationals without entry documents at the border if DHS determines that such a suspension is necessary to achieve operational control over such a border.

US HB1183

Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023

US HB4367

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024

US HB6392

Border Security and Migrant Safety Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.