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 proposes 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 seeks to tighten asylum eligibility and humanitarian parole, among other measures.
Additionally, the bill aims to enhance Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by directing the Department of Homeland Security to modernize border facilities, expand staffing, and implement more surveillance technology, including drones and biometric screening.
House conservatives have advocated for the permanent codification of Trump's border policies, citing a decrease in illegal border crossings during his second term. They argue that congressional action is necessary to prevent future presidents from reversing these policies. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, expressed concerns about potential changes under future administrations.
Democrats have opposed the bill, arguing that any border security legislation should also include reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expand legal immigration pathways. House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
The bill's advancement follows a period of inaction on border security legislation, which had been a point of contention among House conservatives. Despite passing the committee, the legislation may encounter challenges on the House floor, particularly from moderate Republicans who support temporary legal protections for agricultural workers. The measure is similar to a previous border security bill passed during the Biden administration but does not include a nationwide E-Verify mandate.