Originally published in My ChesCo.

Written by Maryann Pugh.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) called on House GOP leadership to bring bipartisan border security and immigration reform to the floor for a vote. Her plea follows President Joe Biden’s recent executive orders aimed at addressing the situation at the southern border.

“Our southern border is overwhelmed, and it’s beyond time that Republicans and Democrats finish the hard work of compromise and send a bipartisan, comprehensive border security and immigration reform bill to President Biden,” Houlahan stated. She noted that the Senate had already passed a similar measure earlier this year, which Speaker Johnson tabled at the request of former President Donald Trump. A Republican senator commented at the time, “This proposal would have had almost unanimous Republican support if it weren’t for Trump.”

The Importance of Comprehensive Reform

President Biden has increased funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allocating $71.48 billion since taking office. This surpasses the $67.87 billion allocated during the Trump administration. The increased funds have been used to enhance security technology, scan additional cargo, and expel illegal crossers, among other measures.

Despite these improvements, the asylum system remains strained. Over 1.5 million encounters have been recorded at the U.S.-Mexico border in FY24 alone, with expectations that this number may surpass last year’s total of nearly 2.5 million. Much of this influx is attributed to political unrest and instability in neighboring regions.

Earlier this year, a bipartisan group of Senators crafted a deal to address these challenges. The proposed legislation included:

• New federal authorities for drug enforcement
• Removal of migrants without valid asylum claims
• Emergency powers to temporarily close the border
• Stricter asylum requirements
• Temporary work permits for asylum seekers
• Expansion of family and work visas
• Funding for states and cities impacted by migration

However, Speaker Johnson expressed disapproval and declined to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote.

Executive Actions and Reactions

In response to Congress’s inaction, President Biden announced executive actions to manage the border crisis more effectively. One key provision involves halting asylum requests once daily encounters at the border reach 2,500, calculated on a weekly basis. Ports of entry would reopen for asylum requests when daily encounters average 1,500.

Members of the Democrats for Border Security Task Force, including Houlahan, commended Biden’s decisive steps. “We commend President Biden for taking this Executive Action to bring ‘order to the border.’ This is an important step. Democrats for Border Security recognize that the President has taken this bold action because Congress has failed to act. Now, Republican leadership must finally allow the House to vote on the bipartisan Senate legislation proposed earlier this year,” they said in a joint statement.

Potential Implications and Perspectives

The call for bipartisan action highlights a crucial issue facing the nation. Comprehensive reform could provide a balanced approach to border security, offering solutions for drug enforcement and management of asylum claims while addressing labor needs through work permits and visa expansions.

Supporters believe that bipartisan legislation is essential for creating a robust and humane immigration system. They argue that securing the border while providing legal pathways for migrants is the best way to manage the complex issue.

Critics worry about potential negative implications. They fear that stricter asylum requirements and increased deportations could lead to humanitarian crises, as individuals fleeing violence and persecution may be denied refuge. Additionally, some argue that increased enforcement could strain relations with neighboring countries and divert resources from other critical areas.

Both sides agree that the current system is overwhelmed and inadequate. However, the path forward remains contentious, with significant political and social implications at stake. The debate underscores the need for practical solutions that ensure both national security and humane treatment of individuals seeking refuge and better opportunities in the United States.

Conclusion

As the border crisis continues to evolve, the pressure mounts on lawmakers to find common ground. The future of border security and immigration reform will likely remain a central issue in American politics, influencing policy decisions and voter sentiment across the country. Lawmakers must navigate this challenging landscape to craft effective and balanced solutions that address both security concerns and humanitarian needs.