|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and several of their colleagues in introducing the Immigration Parole Reform Act to “restore integrity to the immigration parole statute following misuse by the executive branch during the previous Administration,” Britt’s release said.
“Under the Trump Administration, the era of open borders is over. The difference our nation has witnessed over a few short months is not just seen in the dramatic decrease in border crossings, but truly felt by families across our communities,” said Senator Britt. “However, it is incumbent upon Congress to ensure the executive branch never again misuses immigration parole in ways that undermine congressional intent and the safety and security of the American people. I’m proud to join my colleagues as we continue to take important steps to secure our southern border and protect the American people once again.”
Specifically, the Immigration Parole Reform Act would “ensure parole is granted on a case-by-case basis and not used to illegally admit entire classes of aliens into the United States,” the release stated. In doing so, it defines what qualifies as an “urgent humanitarian reason” or “significant public benefit” for purposes of granting parole. The bill would also guarantee parole is not used to adjust to permanent resident status, or to obtain any other immigration benefit. Finally, it places limits on the time period of an initial grant of parole and allows only one extension.
“The Obama and Biden administrations badly abused immigration parole, which was intended to be a temporary and highly discretionary means to enter our country. Under President Trump, parole will no longer be used as a loophole for illegal immigration. However, Congress must also act to prevent any future exploitation. My legislation would clarify the parole statute and ensure all future administrations are bound to Congress’ original intent,” said Chairman Grassley.
Immigration parole, established by Congress in 1952, allows the executive branch to temporarily grant individuals entry into the United States on a limited, case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
“Several presidential administrations – particularly the Obama and Biden-Harris Administrations – abused this authority to bypass congressionally-established immigration pathways and admit entire categories of aliens to the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration exploited this authority to indiscriminately release an estimated 1.5 million aliens into the United States. On January 21, 2025, the Trump Administration issued a directive restoring the use of immigration parole in a manner that is consistent with Congress’ original intent,” Sen. Britt’s release said.
The Senators’ bill, first introduced in 2023, was blocked by Senate Democrats “despite the Biden Administration having allowed over nine million migrants to enter the United States illegally,” the release also said.
Senator Britt was also a cosponsor of this legislation in the 118th Congress. Full text of the bill can be read here.
Senators Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Josh Hawley, R-Mo.; James Lankford, R-Okla.; Mike Lee, R-Utah; Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.; Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio; Tim Sheehy, R-Mont.; Ted Budd, R-N.C.; and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, also cosponsored this legislation.
