Early in 2024, United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled a bipartisan global security package valued at $118 billion. The proposal includes a comprehensive overhaul of US immigration law. The long-anticipated changes address the complex, multi-faceted issues that pose the potential to “disrupt democracy,” according to Schumer.
A few significant changes included a higher level of scrutiny for migrants seeking asylum. The security package also introduced protocols that would allow for the complete shutdown of all borders, which could occur when border activity is excessive or overwhelming. The package also elucidated how and when the White House can use parole authority as temporary protection for migrants. Parole authority allows authorities to temporarily enable individuals to stay in the country even if they might not otherwise qualify for protection.
Finally, the package bars migrants from living in the US while waiting to make their cases before an immigration judge. The complete package is nearly 400 pages long.
