U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) has reintroduced two significant border security bills Thursday aimed at bolstering immigration enforcement and reinstating a key Trump-era policy.
The Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal (CLEAR) Act and the Make the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) Mandatory Act seek to address the escalating challenges at the U.S. southern border by empowering law enforcement and restoring the “Remain in Mexico” program.
The CLEAR Act is designed to strengthen the collaboration between state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend and deport criminal illegal aliens.
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Key provisions include:
- Authorizing state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
- Penalizing states or localities that prohibit such cooperation by withholding specific federal funds.
- Requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to share detailed immigration information, including data on individuals with final removal orders, overstays, or revoked visas.
- Providing grants to states and localities for enforcing immigration laws, constructing detention facilities, and training law enforcement.
“President Biden’s lax border policies have allowed dangerous criminals to remain in the United States, jeopardizing the safety of innocent Americans,” Blackburn said. “The CLEAR Act will ensure state and local law enforcement have the tools needed to protect our communities.”
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This bill mandates the reinstatement of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a Trump-era policy that required asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting U.S. immigration court proceedings. The policy, which ended the practice of “catch and release,” was suspended by President Biden on his second day in office.
“Biden’s decision to end MPP has had deadly consequences,” Blackburn emphasized. “This bill will restore order at the border, ensure migrants follow legal processes, and prioritize the safety of Americans.”
Representative Roger Williams (R-Texas), who introduced the Make MPP Mandatory Act in the House, highlighted the need for strong immigration policies, citing the dangers posed by the current system.
“We must act to secure our borders and restore law and order,” Williams said. “The safety of Americans must come first.”
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The Make MPP Mandatory Act has garnered co-sponsorship from prominent Senate Republicans, including Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
The Biden administration’s rollback of MPP and other enforcement measures has coincided with record-breaking numbers of migrants crossing the border, straining resources and prompting calls for stricter policies.
- The CLEAR Act aims to tackle this crisis by ensuring that local law enforcement agencies are equipped to support federal immigration enforcement.
- MPP, lauded for its effectiveness during its implementation, facilitated orderly processing and reduced the incentive for migrants to enter the U.S. unlawfully.
Blackburn and her Republican colleagues argue these bills are essential to reversing what they describe as “lawlessness” at the southern border.
As the Republican-led House and Senate take up these proposals, the bills are expected to face stiff opposition from Democrats who advocate for more lenient immigration policies. However, Blackburn remains optimistic about advancing these measures, calling for bipartisan support to address what she deems a national crisis.
“These bills are about protecting Americans and restoring the rule of law,” Blackburn concluded. “The time for action is now.”
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