Permanent Trump Secure Border Act

Increased Border Security Infrastructure: The bill mandates the resumption and completion of the border wall and the deployment of practical physical barriers and tactical infrastructure (Sec. 102; Sec. 103). This is intended to achieve situational awareness and operational control of the southwest border.

Enhanced Technology at Ports of Entry: There is a requirement to upgrade license plate readers and expand integrated surveillance and intrusion detection systems at land ports of entry (Sec. 106).

Support for Law Enforcement Personnel: The bill provides for a retention bonus for front-line U.S. Border Patrol agents with five or more years of service (Sec. 107) and requires the hiring of a sufficient number of agents to maintain a presence of no fewer than 22,000 full-time equivalents (Sec. 107).

Support for Law Enforcement Agencies through Grants: The "Operation Stonegarden" program provides grants to eligible law enforcement agencies to enhance border security through equipment and personnel support (Sec. 110).

Protection for DHS Employees: The bill prohibits COVID-19 vaccine mandates and protects employees from adverse actions based solely on their refusal to receive a vaccine (Sec. 121).

Improved Security Through Technology: The bill establishes a strategic 5-year technology investment plan to mitigate security risks, combat criminal activity, and facilitate legal trade (Sec. 104).

Restoration of Detention Facilities: The Secretary of Homeland Security is required to reopen or restore specific facilities, such as the Irwin County Detention Center and the South Texas Family Residential Center, to their January 20, 2021, operational levels (Sec. 202(a)-(b)).

Regional Cooperation and Humanitarian Protections: The bill directs the Secretary of State to negotiate agreements with countries like Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to include provisions for appropriate humanitarian protections for certain nationals (Sec. 302(a)(1)-(3)).

Clarification of Family Detention: The bill aims to clarify that the detention of an alien child who is not unaccompanied is governed by specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, intending to satisfy requirements regarding accompanied minors (Sec. 401(a)-(b)).

Streamlined Parole for Specific Groups: The bill allows for the parole of certain individuals, including those with urgent medical emergencies, those needing to attend a family member's funeral, or those assisting in law enforcement matters (Sec. 701(a)(5)).

Impact on Natural Resources and Communities: The construction of physical barriers and tactical infrastructure may impact natural resources, commerce, and sites of historical or cultural significance for communities near the construction sites (Sec. 103).

Restrictions on Asylum Seekers: The bill implements stricter rules for determining asylum eligibility, including more rigorous "credible fear" interviews and specific limitations on the definition of "particular social group" and "persecution" (Sec. 101; Sec. 102; Sec. 107).

Financial Burdens on Asylum Applicants: The bill imposes a fee of not less than $50 for each asylum application (Sec. 106).

Limitations on Employment Authorization: Certain asylum applicants may be denied employment authorization based on how they entered the United States (Sec. 105). Furthermore, those granted parole under the general humanitarian category may not accept employment (Sec. 701(a)(8)).

Impact on Migrant Protections: The bill includes provisions that restrict the release of certain applicants, potentially requiring them to be detained or returned to a foreign territory (Sec. s 201).

Potential for Unlawful Activity Restrictions: The bill restricts the use of the CBP One Mobile Application solely to the inspection of perishable cargo (Sec. 122).

Mandatory Repatriation of Children: The bill changes the rules for unaccompanied alien children, requiring the transfer of custody to the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 30 days for those who do not meet specific new criteria, with the goal of facilitating their return to their country of origin (Sec. 502(a)(2)).

Increased Penalties for Visa Overstays: Individuals who violate their nonimmigrant status for 10 days or more face new penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment for up to 6 months or 2 years depending on the offense (Sec. 601(a)-(b)).

Repeal of Agricultural Employment Rules: The legislation repeals existing rules relating to the temporary agricultural employment of H-2A nonimmigrants (Sec. 801).