A group of senators reportedly reached a tentative agreement on a new U.S. asylum and immigration bill. They plan to make the details public soon. The bill includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza refugees. The voting for this bill is expected to happen the week of February 5, 2024. The bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Immigration is likely a key issue in the 2024 Presidential election.

The focus of the immigration bill is the southern U.S. border. It proposes three main updates to asylum policy. First, fewer options for seeking asylum will be available. Second, the requirements to qualify for asylum will be higher. Third, the processing of claims will be faster, with fewer chances to appeal if rejected. The bill also stops the practice of releasing migrants found in the U.S. without legal basis.

The President’s power to close the southern border when illegal crossings reach a certain level is expected to be part of the bill. Also included in the legislation is a provision that would cap the number of days the border could be shut down in any given year.

For the bill to pass, it needs 60 votes in the Senate. Funding is also required to support the new policy. The voting could happen as early as the week of February 5, 2024.

As always, we closely follow updates on U.S. immigration policy. If you have any questions about immigration issues, feel free to contact us. Our team of attorneys work directly with our clients every step of the way.