HR 116: Stopping Border Surges Act

Cosponsors

Summary

Stopping Border Surges Act

This bill modifies immigration law provisions relating to unaccompanied alien minors and to asylum seekers.

The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to repatriate certain unaccompanied, inadmissible alien children, generally those not at risk of being trafficking victims nor having a fear of persecution. Currently, only inadmissible unaccompanied aliens from neighboring countries are subject to repatriation, and DHS has discretion whether to repatriate.

When the Department of Health and Human Services releases an unaccompanied child to an individual, it shall provide DHS with certain information about that individual, including Social Security number and immigration status.

The bill requires a stricter standard to find a credible fear of persecution and imposes additional rules on credible fear interviews.

If an alien is granted asylum because of fear of persecution in a country, the alien shall be deemed to have renounced asylum status by returning to that country, if there has been no change in the country’s conditions.

The bill also (1) expands the definition of what constitutes a frivolous asylum application, (2) imposes additional limitations on eligibility for asylum, (3) shortens the deadline for applying for asylum, and (4) extends the time period an alien seeking asylum must wait before receiving employment authorization.

Any individual who knowingly and willfully makes materially false statements or uses fraudulent documents in asylum-related proceedings shall be fined or imprisoned up to 10 years, or both.

Subjects

Administrative remedies, Border security and unlawful immigration, Child safety and welfare, Correctional facilities and imprisonment, Department of Homeland Security, Detention of persons, Evidence and witnesses, Family relationships, Federal preemption, Foreign labor, Foreign language and bilingual programs, Fraud offenses and financial crimes, Government information and archives, Government studies and investigations, Human rights, Human trafficking, Immigrant health and welfare, Immigration status and procedures, International law and treaties

Policy Areas

Immigration

Next Steps

The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The next steps include committee hearings, markups, potential amendments, and a vote in each committee. After committee actions, the bill may proceed to the full House for a vote, requiring a majority to pass.

Social Impact

This bill could significantly impact immigrant communities, particularly those seeking asylum or entering the US without authorization. The social implications depend on the bill's final form and implementation. It could affect family separations, and the accessibility of legal resources. The bill's passage would shift how the U.S. approaches immigration enforcement and asylum seekers.

Business Impact

The bill may impact businesses that employ immigrants, particularly those who may be undocumented. Increased enforcement of immigration laws could lead to higher labor costs and potential disruptions to supply chains. The bill's effects on the business community are likely to be complex and vary by industry.

Financial Impact

Increased enforcement and processing of immigration cases could lead to higher government spending. Changes to asylum laws might affect the costs associated with asylum claims and immigration court operations. The economic effects are difficult to fully predict without detailed cost-benefit analysis.

Bill History

Friday, January 3, 2025
IntroReferral - Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Friday, January 3, 2025
IntroReferral - Introduced in House

Bill Text

Introduced in House January 3, 2025
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Sponsors