The border security package will restart construction of a border wall, offer bonuses to Border Patrol agents and resume the Trump administration's “Remain in Mexico” program for migrants seeking asylum in the US.

The bill would undo much of President Biden’s approach to immigration. In addition, the proposal would expand the collection of DNA and biometric information at the border and impose fees for asylum applicants.

The legislation takes numerous actions to secure the southern border with Mexico and limit illegal immigration, including

• by requiring the Homeland Security Department to resume construction of the "wall" on the U.S.-Mexico border and install other border barriers and infrastructure;
• by authorizing funding to hire more Border Patrol agents;
• by allowing the department to suspend entry into the U.S. of migrants seeking asylum or other legal protections if needed to achieve "operational control" of the border;
• by generally requiring that those seeking asylum either be detained or be relocated to another country for the duration of their immigration proceedings, including unaccompanied minors;
• by imposing new limitations on the ability to seek asylum while also limiting the government's authority to grant "parole" status; and
• by requiring all U.S. employers to use a new E-Verify online system to verify the employment eligibility of all potential employees.

Republicans argue that the Biden administration has lost control of the southwest border and the bill is needed to protect the nation. Democrats say it would sow chaos at the border by effectively shutting down the asylum process, and that Republicans should instead work with Democrats on comprehensive immigration reform. 

“For more than two years, President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have watched our southwest border fall into the hands of violent cartels and stood by as their own open-border policies allowed the crisis to metastasize to our northern and maritime borders. This chaos has pushed our Border Patrol agents to the brink, forcing them to work endless hours with no support. But those on the frontlines know this is not just a humanitarian crisis, it is a policy crisis. As the end of Title 42 approaches, it is clear the Biden Administration’s plan is to continue funding border mismanagement instead of border security," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX).

“After announcing our border security framework almost one year ago, our committees have put forth legislation to roll back the harm this administration has caused our country. From supporting the dedicated men and women of our Border Patrol and investing in technology to ending this administration’s reckless catch-and-release policies and seeking to renegotiate proven policies like Remain in Mexico and the Asylum Cooperation Agreements, the Secure the Border Act does exactly what the title says. Now, it is time to uphold our commitment by passing the Secure the Border Act on the House floor.”

Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS): "Democrats are focused on investing in border staffing, infrastructure, and technology, especially at ports of entry, where the vast majority of fentanyl is trafficked. Over 90 percent of fentanyl seizures occur at ports of entry or border checkpoints, and those responsible are overwhelmingly American citizens, not migrants. Despite tough talk on border security, Republicans voted against necessary funding, opposing $7.2 billion for Border Patrol operations, including for hiring; $65 million for 300 more Border Patrol agents; and $60 million for additional personnel at ports of entry last year. Some Republican Members have even suggested defunding the Department of Homeland Security – the very Department that is working to secure our borders.

The Biden administration is working to deal with the fallout of the prior administration’s failed border policies while treating people humanely and with dignity. The administration is implementing a six-pillar plan for immigration and border security.

The administration has also created a new legal pathway for Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans – who make up almost a third of those currently being encountered at the border. This is already showing results at the border – Border Patrol encounters with nationals of those four countries declined by 95 percent in January. The Biden administration is working to reunite hundreds of families who remain separated years after the Trump administration took children from their parents at the border – a policy that will be a permanent stain on our country’s conscience."