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U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, whose district includes Cameron County, has reintroduced H.R. 2946, the Safe Zones Act of 2023, a piece of immigration legislation addressing the safety of migrants and security of the United States, offering a streamlined asylum process.
“For too long, inaction at the congressional and presidential levels have led us to where we are today: a broken immigration system that forces those seeking asylum to embark on a dangerous and sometimes deadly trek to our southern border,” he stated. “The longer we take to address this issue, the more lives are at stake. The time to act is now.”
“The Safe Zones Act would provide much needed relief to our border communities, and offer a safe, lawful pathway for migrants to seek asylum. The Safe Zones Act would allow migrants to apply for asylum along the United States-Mexico border and Guatemala, helping to stem the flow of migration at our southern border and limit migrants’ need to rely on smugglers,” he stated.
“The scenes of migrants lining up at the southern border and in my district over the past few days are expected to persist, and likely increase, as Title 42 comes to an end. Our immigration system has been pushed to its limits, and we do not have the personnel nor the necessary resources to process all migrants encountered at the border. Our Customs and Border Protection officers, Border Patrol agents and local governments are doing everything they can with the resources they have available but it is not enough,” he stated.
“I urge my colleagues to join me and send this bill to President Biden’s desk. Seeking a better life in the United States should not be a death sentence for families. Only Congress can provide the reforms necessary to fully manage this immigration challenge,” he stated.
THE SAFE ZONES ACT OF 2023
>> Broadens the pool of people who can conduct credible fear analysis beyond immigration officers to include trained and qualified staff as determined by the United States Secretary of Homeland Security.
>> Sustains the standard for credible fear as provided by Immigration and Nationality Act.
>> Reaffirms Section 208 of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Section 208, which defines limitations on asylum eligibility.
>> Streamlines the entire asylum claim process. After an individual passes the initial credible fear screening within a designated Safe Zone, they will have their asylum claim reviewed by an immigration judge within 90 days.
THE LEGISLATION ALSO ESTABLISHES SAFE ZONES:
>> Safe Zones are designated by the Secretary of State under section 207(g) to accept and process applications for refugee admissions to the United States.
>> Safe Zones may include embassies, consulates, other diplomatic facilities, or other facilities as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of State.
The bill also ensures additional personnel and the service of Safe Zones:
>> One year after the date of enactment of this act, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will hire and train new Border Patrol agents as determined necessary by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
>> No later than six months after the enactment of this act, the attorney general shall hire 20 immigration judges and all appropriate support staff to carry out this act.
>> Ensures that the asylum processing centers provide humane conditions.
>> Mandates that migrants are provided with adequate security to ensure safe zone is fortified from potential danger, temporary housing for migrants while their case is being adjudicated, adequate meals, access to medical care, social workers, the Legal Orientation Program and other services.
>> Authorizes $40 million to be appropriated each fiscal year to carry out this section.
