H.R. 116: Stopping Border Surges Act
Quick Facts:
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-5)
Congress: 119
Date Introduced: Jan. 3, 2025
Last Action: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (Jan. 3, 2025)
Stopping Border Surges Act
This bill addresses critical loopholes that have resulted in several border surges. First, it addresses issues with unaccompanied alien children (UACs), which have served as a magnet for children to illegally immigrate to the U.S. for easy release into the interior. Specifically, it overrules the expanded Flores Settlement Agreement and prevents the release of UACs to individuals other than their parents or legal guardians. It also removes the distinction between contiguous and noncontiguous arrivals of UACs so children are treated to the same expedited process regardless of which country they arrive from.
The bill also addresses critical asylum loopholes, requiring asylees to apply for asylum in the first safe country they arrived in, tightening the credible fear standard, requiring illegal aliens to apply for asylum at ports of entry or within 6 months of arrival, and increases penalties.