We continue our report on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s markup of the Immigration Reform bill to provide an overview of the issues debated on Monday (day four of the markup).
Monday’s session concluded the debates over Title III of the bill on interior enforcement. Among the most significant proposals passed was an amendment that would terminate asylee and refugee status for individuals who return to the county where they were persecuted unless they show good cause. The committee also passed Senator Hatch’s amendment to establish a biometric entry and exit system at airports with the highest volume of international air travel. Senator Grassley’s amendment to strike provisions of the bill that remove the 1-year asylum deadline failed by a vote of 6-12.
During yesterday’s session, the Senate Judiciary Committee also began its consideration of Title II, dealing with the legalization of 11 million undocumented immigrants. Three amendments that attempted to limit eligibility for Registered Provisional Immigrant status failed. Some of the provisions of the proposed amendments included eliminating protections for RPI-eligible individuals that are apprehended by ICE after the passage of the bill but within the RPI application period; eliminating waivers that would allow removed individuals to apply for RPI status; eliminating protections against detention or removal for RPI-eligible individuals and allowing removal of those with prior orders; requiring RPI applications to be filed electronically; and denying RPI status for misdemeanors including domestic violence, child abuse, and assault.
The committee is working to finish markup of the Immigration Reform Bill before the Memorial Day recess. It will continue consideration of amendments offered to Title II of the bill today.
Mooers Immigration has long been engaged in Comprehensive Immigration Reform, responding to Congressional inquiries on policy and law issues. We are regularly asked to assist elected officials and their staff to understand both the benefits and consequences of various proposals for reform.
