Us Congress House Bill HB1464

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23

Caption

EXIT Act of 2023 Eradicate Crossing of Illegal Tunnels Act of 2023

Impact

If passed, HB 1464 would amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, effectively giving federal authorities broader powers to bypass environmental regulations that traditionally protect natural areas and private properties. This change could streamline operations to locate and deal with illegal crossings but raises significant concerns about the potential environmental impact and the rights of private landowners. By allowing federal agencies to act without normal permit and review processes, the bill could lead to unregulated activities that may endanger local ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 1464, known as the 'EXIT Act of 2023' or the 'Eradicate Crossing of Illegal Tunnels Act of 2023', aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to grant the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to waive certain environmental requirements. This provision allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to search for and remediate unlawful border crossing tunnels on private land, in order to prevent illegal entries into the United States. The bill emphasizes a more aggressive enforcement strategy regarding border security.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding this bill revolve around the balance between national security and environmental protection. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for preventing illegal immigration and enhancing border security, especially in areas where tunnels are frequently used for smuggling. In contrast, opponents raise alarms about the environmental consequences of waiving regulatory requirements, expressing concerns that this could set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach into local governance and private land rights. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle to find an effective solution to immigration issues while safeguarding environmental regulations.