King Introduces Legislation to Strengthen, Stabilize Immigration Policies at the Southern Border

May 16, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C.–U.S. Senator Angus King has introduced legislation to secure America’s southern border from the unlawful entry of asylum seekers and illegal drugs. While not a substitute for comprehensive immigration reform, theBorder Management, Security, and Assistance Actprovides immediate assistance to border personnel with additional resources and technology. The bill also provides critical support to nongovernment organizations that receive asylum seekers and includesSenator King’s longstanding goalofstreamlining the visa permit process forbusinesses looking to hire new employees with a 30-day authorization process.
“The United States is nation of immigrants and also a nation of laws,”said Senator King.“The Border Management, Security, and Assistance Actwill support border patrol personnel in their efforts to stop people and drugs from unlawful entry into our country. As Congress works toward a comprehensive, responsible approach to manage the southern border, this bill strikes an appropriate balance. It will ease the burden on border communities, provide legal pathways for additional work visas, and support the frontline men and women who are keeping our nation safe — ultimately, ensuring that the United States remains true to its values of security and opportunity.”
The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tom Carper (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
TheBorder Management, Security, and Assistance Acttakes the following key steps:
Senator King has been a longtime advocate of reducing red tape for businesses looking to hire immigrants. He most recently co-sponsored theAsylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023to shorten the waiting period before asylum seekers are allowed to receive work authorizations. He also led the push for the Department of Homeland Security toincrease H-2B visasfor Fiscal Year 2023 to the maximum number—a visa category that many Maine hospitality businesses rely on during their busy seasons.
Bill text is availablehere.
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