A group of senators stated a tentative U.S. asylum and immigration bill has been reached. The text is expected to be made public in the coming days. Funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza refugees is included in the bill. Voting is expected to begin the week of February 5, 2024. With the 2024 Presidential election, immigration is expected to be a key topic. However, the bill faces uncertainty in the Senate.
The immigration bill focuses on addressing issues at the southern U.S. border, using three strategies for asylum seekers. First, asylum options will be limited. Second, the standard to qualify for asylum would be raised. Finally, processing of claims would be faster, with fewer options for appeal of rejected, and ends the ability for migrants to be released if found to be in the U.S. without a legal basis.
Presidential authority to shut down the southern border when illegal crossings reach certain thresholds are expected to be included as well. Among the Executive Office capabilities is a provision to cap the number of days the border could be shut down in any given year.
In order to avoid a lengthy filibuster, the bill needs 60 votes in the Senate. Funding to support the new policy is also needed. Voting on the bill could be as soon as the week of February 5, 2024.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing updates to U.S. immigration policy. If you have questions about any immigration-related issue, contact us. Our team of attorneys work directly with clients to ensure they get the right advice for their particular situation.