Border Safety and Security Act of 2023
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.
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.
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.