Heritage Foundation visiting fellow and former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan released a statement praising the passage of House Resolution 2 in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a news release published May 11.
“Last fall, I noted that the time for excuses was coming to an end and Congress must take actual steps to hold the Biden administration accountable for the chaos and carnage they have unleashed on our southern border," Homan said. "Thankfully, that is exactly what House Republicans did. Passage of the Secure the Border Act fulfills promises to the American people on delivering solutions to a self-inflicted crisis that harms not just cities and states along the border, but every city and state around the country.
"The bill’s intentions and contents are clear," he added. "It would end the crisis and restore sanity, safety and security at our borders. It is vital that the Senate takes note of what the House did and swiftly brings this bill to the floor.”
According to the Heritage Foundation, H.R. 2, also known as the Secure the Border Act of 2023, was introduced by House Republicans and addresses problems tied to immigration and border security. H.R. 2 seeks to close loopholes that lead to asylum fraud, end the practice of "catch-and-release", end mass parole, increase penalties for visa overstays, require nationwide E-Verify, and close loopholes in the processing of both accompanied and unaccompanied migrant children.
The bill would also require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume the construction of a southern border wall, provide support for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and prohibit the Biden administration from relying on non-governmental organizations to process and transport illegal immigrants into American communities.
H.R. 2 passed in the House, primarily, along party lines, with only two Republicans voting no and one not present. The bill currently awaits action in the Senate.
