In the News
Homeland Prep News: Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act proposes border changes, appropriations for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
Chris Galford,
February 21, 2024
With the introduction of the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act recently, a bipartisan mix of representatives are pushing for year-long authorities to secure the United States-Mexico border and provide $66.32 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This latest attempt to both solve border concerns and simultaneously fund U.S. allies was introduced by U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Don Bacon (R-NE), Ed Case (D-HI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), and Jim Costa (D-CA). The largest amount of allotted funds would go to the defense of Ukraine, if passed, with $47.69 billion earmarked for the country’s defense. At the same time, the bill seeks to allay concerns about illegal migrants at the southern border by suspending the entry of inadmissible immigrants and requiring immigration officers to detain and immediately expel them without further hearing or review. It would also put new restrictions on people claiming sanctuary over threats of persecution or torture. The Remain in Mexico policy would require immigrants seeking admission, as through asylum, after arriving on land from a foreign territory contiguous to the United States, would need to be returned to that territory pending all the legal proceedings surrounding their status. |