If enacted, this bill would specifically modify existing immigration law to clarify that any alien who has been convicted of a crime would automatically be disqualified from applying for asylum. This change could have substantial implications for immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S., as it essentially narrows the criteria under which someone can claim asylum. The amendment also allows for the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate certain political offenses committed outside the United States as exceptions, but limits this authority strictly to political acts, which may lead to further discussions concerning the interpretation of what constitutes a political offense.
Summary
House Bill 921, titled the 'No Asylum for Criminals Act of 2023', aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing ineligibility for asylum for individuals who have been convicted of a crime. The bill reflects an effort to tighten immigration controls and increase national security by preventing those with criminal backgrounds from seeking asylum in the United States. This legislative move has been introduced by a group of representatives, suggesting a significant political backing aimed at reshaping immigration policy.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB921 are likely to be contentious, as critics argue that it may unfairly penalize refugees who have faced persecution due to political reasons, even if they have a criminal record. Supporters, however, contend that national security and the integrity of the asylum process must be prioritized over individual cases. The balance between ensuring safety and addressing humanitarian needs places this bill in a complex legislative and moral landscape, igniting debates about the broader implications for immigrant rights and U.S. immigration policy.
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
Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, which provides grants to law enforcement agencies for certain border security operations; prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving between ports of entry; limits asylum eligibility to non-U.S. nationals who arrive in the United States at a port of entry; authorizes the removal of a non-U.S. national to a country other than that individual's country of nationality or last lawful habitual residence, whereas currently this type of removal may only be to a country that has an agreement with the United States for such removal; expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death; authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border; prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors; authorizes immigration officers to permit an unaccompanied alien child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application; imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa; and requires DHS to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system and requires all employers to use the system.
Asylum Abuse Reduction Act This bill places restrictions on non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) seeking asylum and contains provisions related to immigration enforcement. Under this bill, an asylum seeker who arrives at a U.S. land port of entry without entry documents may not be admitted unless an asylum officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate has interviewed the individual and has concluded that the individual (1) has been persecuted in the alien's country of nationality due to their race, religion, or other characteristics; (2) has a credible fear of persecution if they returned to that country; or (3) would be tortured by the government upon return to that country. (Currently, an individual arriving at a port of entry may apply for asylum and an immigration officer there typically will conduct a credible fear interview.) Furthermore, an individual who traveled through a third country to enter the United States through the southern border shall be ineligible for asylum unless (1) the individual has applied for and been denied asylum or protection in that third country, (2) the individual was a victim of severe human trafficking, or (3) the third country is not party to certain international agreements relating to refugees. Each federal judicial district shall appoint at least one judge to issue arrest warrants for individuals violating orders to depart, upon a showing of probable cause. Under this bill, the Flores agreement (a lawsuit settlement which imposes various requirements relating to the treatment of minors detained for immigration-related purposes) shall not apply.