2023 Congressional Recap
2023 was a turbulent year for legislative action. Hot-button issues peppered the media, taking most of the oxygen out of the room. No less was the issue of the Southern border.
Policies and bills related to border security, immigration reform, and humanitarian aid were under consideration. Congress often addresses these issues through various legislative measures and funding allocations.
In 2023, the attempted passage of several bills that we will outline here, in our 2023 Congressional Recap:
S.3187 - Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023: To require the Department of Homeland Security to publish various publications and reports regarding the number of aliens seeking entry along the southern border of the United States.
Current Status: Introduced in Senate
H.R.2 - Secure the Border Act of 2023: This bill makes various changes to immigration law, including by imposing limits on asylum eligibility and requiring employers to use an electronic system to verify the employment eligibility of new employees.
Current Status: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 219 - 213
H.R.596 - Anti-Border Corruption Improvement Act: This bill revises the waiver authority of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for polygraph examinations of applicants for law enforcement positions in the CBP.
Current Status: Introduced in House
H.Res.622: Honoring the efforts of the Coast Guard for excellence in maritime border security.
Current Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development
S.Res.45: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the current influx of migrants is causing a crisis at the southern border.
Current Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
S.519: A bill to prohibit individuals charged with or convicted of human trafficking or drug trafficking offenses committed near the border of the United States from receiving Federal benefits.
Current Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
And, in the media…
A MEDIA OVERVIEW:
Will Congress Make a Deal on Border Policy in the New Year? - John McCormack - The Dispatch
Pecos struggles as government quietly expands migrant influx facilities (cbs7.com)
Biden says he intends to visit southern border on Mexico trip | The Hill
As Title 42 ends, Biden manages the border but no immigration action from Congress (nbcnews.com)
House GOP bets on border strategy as government shutdown looms | CNN Politics
In 2023, Congress debated bills focused on increasing border security measures, such as funding for border infrastructure, technology upgrades, and additional personnel for border enforcement agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Comprehensive immigration reform bills aim to address various aspects of the immigration system, including pathways to citizenship, visa reforms, and border security measures. These bills often generate significant debate and discussion due to their wide-ranging impacts.
Some bills and initiatives are focused on providing assistance and resources to address the humanitarian needs of migrants and refugees arriving at the southern border. This could include funding for shelters, medical care, legal assistance, and support for processing asylum claims.
Congress has considered bills specifically addressing the situation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and young undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers.
Remember, the legislative process is complex and can involve multiple steps, from bill introduction to committee review, amendments, debates, and final voting. Bills can also evolve and change substantially as they move through the legislative process, so it's essential to track their progress for the most accurate and current information.
As we exit 2023 and dive into 2024, we ask two things of you:
First, make a habit of communicating and contacting your public officials, conveying support for border reform. This takes less than 5 minutes and can be vitally impactful. You can contact your representative here: Find and contact elected officials | USAGov
Second, we ask that you support our efforts by purchasing swag, donating directly, or giving your time or resources.
Thank you for your support this year, and we look forward to making an even bigger impact in 2024!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!