The House Judiciary Committee has advanced a border security bill aimed at making several of President Donald Trump's executive actions permanent. The Permanent Trump Secure Border Act was passed along party lines during a markup session on Tuesday, despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers.
Authored by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the legislation seeks to criminalize visa overstays, increase penalties for unlawful entry, and end 'catch and release' policies by mandating that most illegal migrants be detained or returned while their cases are pending. It also aims to tighten asylum eligibility and humanitarian parole.
Additionally, the bill would enhance the capabilities of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by directing the Department of Homeland Security to modernize border facilities, expand staffing, and deploy more surveillance technology, including drones and biometric screening.
House conservatives have been advocating for the permanent codification of Trump's border policies, citing a decline in illegal border crossings during his second term. They argue that congressional action is necessary to prevent future presidents from reversing these policies.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed opposition to the bill, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reform that includes reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expanded pathways for legal immigration.
Despite its advancement in committee, the bill may encounter challenges on the House floor from moderate Republicans who support temporary legal protections for agricultural workers. The proposed legislation closely resembles a previous border security bill passed during the Biden administration but excludes a nationwide E-Verify mandate that has been a point of contention among Republicans.