A bill introduced in the House of Representatives Wednesday would authorize construction of a border wall, invest in new technology and expand ports of entry, and add 5,000 Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents.
The Securing America’s Future Act would also require the use of a biometric entry-exit system at all ports of entry and implement sweeping immigration reforms, including protections for those currently covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program.
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the country’s current border security and immigration systems are “failing,” and that drug smugglers, human traffickers, and transnational gang members have exploited vulnerabilities.
“It’s time to end this crisis once and for all,” McCaul said. “This bill offers common-sense solutions that will finally secure our borders, better support our frontline defenders, strengthen interior enforcement, and get tough on those who break our immigration laws….”
The bill would require employers to use the E-verify system to confirm that new hires are eligible to work in the United States. It would also end the Diversity Visa program, make more visas available to skilled workers and establish a new agricultural guestworker program.
U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the bill’s introduction marked an “historic opportunity” to fix the nation’s “broken immigration system.”
“The only way to reduce illegal immigration is to address both enforcement of our immigration laws in the interior of our country and to secure our borders,” Goodlatte said. “This carefully crafted legislation, which is aligned with the White House’s’ immigration priorities, combines enforcement measures and increased border security to enhance public safety, ensure the door remains open to law-abiding immigrants, and restore the rule of law.”
U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border and Maritime Security, said the purpose of the bill was to help President Donald Trump keep his promises to the American people.
“…Our bill will also strengthen our economy and create jobs by transitioning to a merit-based legal immigration system that puts the needs of the American people first,” Labrador said.