US Federal House Bill HB194

US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Safeguards Ensuring Criminal and Unvetted Refugees don't Enter America Act or the SECURE America Act This bill imposes restrictions on the admission of aliens, including refugees, and addresses related issues. Specifically, no refugees may be admitted until Congress enacts a joint resolution setting the maximum number of refugees allowed to be admitted in a particular fiscal year. Currently, that number is set each fiscal year by the President. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must notify Congress at least 30 days before determining that an alien or class of aliens is eligible for refugee status. Congress may nullify the determination by enacting a joint resolution of disapproval. Further, an alien shall be inadmissible for holding certain beliefs, such as (1) believing that a system of religious law should be implemented in the United States, (2) believing that the alien does not need to learn English if the alien is not already fluent, or (3) any belief that the Department of State determines is incompatible with the principles of the United States. DHS may not parole into the United States an alien who does not have status under immigration law. Currently, DHS may provide parole in certain instances, including for urgent humanitarian reasons. Federal agencies must notify a state at least 30 days before resettling a refugee in that state. The refugee may not be resettled in that state if the state expresses disapproval. An alien who has committed a crime of violence (generally one involving the use or threat of physical violence against person or property) may not be eligible for refugee status and must be removed.

Impact

In addition to establishing a new protocol for refugee admissions, HB 194 introduces stringent vetting processes for asylum seekers. It requires thorough background checks and assessments of an individual's belief systems to ensure compatibility with American principles. Specific beliefs deemed incompatible, such as the advocacy for the implementation of religious law over U.S. law, could render individuals inadmissible. This aspect of the bill emphasizes national security, aiming to prevent individuals deemed a potential threat from entering the country.

Summary

House Bill 194, known as the SECURE America Act, seeks to reform the existing process for admitting refugees into the United States. The bill places significant restrictions on the admission of refugees, shifting the power to set refugee caps from the President to Congress. Under this proposed legislation, no refugees could be admitted in a fiscal year unless a joint resolution passed by Congress specifically permits their admission, marking a substantial change to the current policy where the President has the authority to set these limits unilaterally. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is mandated to give prior notification to Congress before determining the eligibility of refugees, allowing for greater legislative oversight.

Contention

One of the most notable points of contention surrounding this bill is its potential impact on state autonomy regarding refugee resettlement. States would be granted the authority to reject refugee placements if their leaders express disapproval, thereby significantly influencing local communities' ability to respond to humanitarian needs. Proponents argue that this could help prevent violence and uphold national security, while critics contend that it could hinder the U.S.'s ability to fulfill its humanitarian obligations and undermine the support for refugees fleeing persecution.