Secure the Border Act of 2023

The Secure the Border Act of 2023 includes several key provisions aimed at addressing migration-related challenges in the U.S.-Mexico border. A major focus is on border wall construction and enforcement. The bill mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) create a plan to construct 200 miles of border wall annually. It defines “operational control” narrowly, emphasizing the prevention of all unlawful entries into the U.S., including those by terrorists, unlawful aliens, narcotics, and contraband. DHS would use physical barriers and technologies to achieve situational awareness and control at the border, with an increase in full-time Border Patrol agents to at least 22,000.

The bill also introduces restrictions on NGOs and asylum seekers, defunding NGOs that provide services to migrants and placing restrictions on the right to seek asylum in the U.S., potentially limiting humanitarian protections. This raises concerns about the bill’s impact on vulnerable populations seeking refuge.

Economically, the Secure the Border Act could worsen labor shortages for small businesses and essential industries, placing unnecessary pressure on border communities. The bill builds on Operation Stonegarden by allocating funds for grants to law enforcement agencies working with U.S. immigration authorities near land and maritime borders. It requires a strategic plan from the U.S. Border Patrol, incorporating input from border community stakeholders. Funding for processing noncitizens who entered the U.S. between ports of entry would be withdrawn.

While the bill aims to enhance border security, it also raises concerns about humanitarian protections and economic impacts. Balancing enforcement with compassion is crucial for effective immigration policy. By supporting these provisions, we can address border security challenges while remaining mindful of humanitarian and economic implications.