Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Safeguarding Americans From Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act

Summary

The Safeguarding Americans From Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. It seeks to prohibit the Secretary of Homeland Security from granting parole to aliens deemed to pose a national security risk. This includes those with connections to terrorism or criminal activities.

Expected Effects

The bill would restrict the ability of the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant parole to specific categories of aliens. It defines 'known terrorist,' 'special interest alien,' and 'suspected terrorist' to broaden the scope of individuals ineligible for parole.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced national security by preventing potentially dangerous individuals from entering the United States.
  • Reduced risk of terrorist activities within the country.
  • Strengthened border security measures.
  • Increased public safety by limiting the entry of individuals with criminal or terrorist ties.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for misclassification and wrongful denial of parole to legitimate asylum seekers.
  • Increased strain on immigration courts and detention facilities due to fewer parole options.
  • Possible negative impact on international relations if the definitions are perceived as overly broad or discriminatory.
  • Could lead to prolonged detention of individuals while their cases are processed.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While the federal government has broad authority over immigration and national security, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, clauses 3 and 4, the due process rights of individuals seeking entry into the US, as protected by the Fifth Amendment, must also be considered. The definitions of 'special interest alien' and 'suspected terrorist' could be challenged as overly broad or vague, potentially infringing on due process.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).