The Security, Enforcement, and Compassion United in Reform Efforts Act’’ (the ‘‘SECURE Act of 2017’’) was introduced last week by Senators Jon Cornyn (R-TX) and Charles Grassley (R-IA). It contains language offering a one-time, three-year extension to DACA but no permanent solution.
This proposed legislation is widely viewed as the Republican initial negotiating stance on any legislation to protect Dreamers. As one might expect, it contains primarily enforcement provisions with a very weak form of DACA continuation built upon the previously introduced the BRIDGE Act (which extends DACA for 3 years without improvement, and contains no permanent fix beyond the three years).
The Bill contains increases in funding for hiring and various technologies, and directs “improvements” in certain programs ranging from efforts to strengthen Mexico’s borders from within to the eradication of certain plants which supposedly hinder enforcement efforts. It also limits forms of relief for visa overstays without “good cause” for the overstay, and provides reimbursement funding to states for honoring detainers and for additional judicial enforcement. The Bill provides for collection of DNA, and kills off Parole as a form of admission while containing anti-sanctuary cities language which appears to have already been struck down by the courts among many, many other anti-immigrant provisions.
It doesn’t get around to the Bridge Act DACA solution until page 464 of a 528-page document.