Border bill supporters combat misinformation that it would actually let in more migrants
A provision of border security legislation that would give the U
WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s one of the most hard-fought provisions in the bipartisan border security package, and one that Democrats had to be persuaded to include: a new authority for the U.S. government to block migrants from entering the country.
Now it’s the central line of attack from many Republicans who are opposing the legislation, with some now claiming it would incentivize even more border crossings.
At issue is a provision in the bipartisan package that would grant the Homeland Security secretary emergency authority to prohibit entry for most individuals if an average of more than 4,000 people per day try to enter the country unlawfully over the course of a week. If the number reaches 5,000 or if 8,500 try to enter unlawfully in a single day, use of the authority would be mandatory.
The bill, released by senators on Sunday, would also make it harder to claim asylum at the border and expand detention facilities, among other efforts to reduce the number of migrants.
