[Pages S281-S282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 29--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE 
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES POSSESSES LEGAL AUTHORITY UNDER EXISTING 
  LAW TO TAKE IMMEDIATE AND NECESSARY ACTION TO SECURE THE SOUTHWEST 
                      BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. PAUL submitted the following resolution; from the Committee on 
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs which was placed on the 
calendar:

                               S. Res. 29

       Whereas, since the start of the Biden-Harris 
     Administration, nearly 11,000,000 individuals have been 
     encountered attempting to enter the United States unlawfully;
       Whereas U.S. Customs and Border Protection has--
       (1) apprehended nearly 400 suspected terrorists attempting 
     to enter the United States illegally between ports of entry;
       (2) encountered an additional 1,587 suspected terrorists at 
     United States ports of entry; and
       (3) identified more than 1,700,000 special interest aliens;
       Whereas, since October 1, 2021, more than 120,000 illegal 
     aliens with criminal warrants or convictions were encountered 
     along United States borders, including--
       (1) more than 4,800 illegal aliens who were convicted of 
     assault, battery, or domestic violence;
       (2) more than 3,300 illegal aliens who were convicted of 
     theft-related offenses;
       (3) nearly 1,400 illegal aliens who were convicted of 
     sexual offenses; and
       (4) nearly 200 illegal aliens who were convicted of 
     homicide or manslaughter;
       Whereas, under section 235(b)(2)(C) of the Immigration and 
     Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(2)(C)), the Department of 
     Homeland Security is authorized to immediately return certain 
     applicants for admission or asylum to a contiguous foreign 
     territory in accordance with the memorandum from the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security entitled ``Policy Guidance for 
     Implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols'', dated 
     January 25, 2019, or any substantially similar policy changes 
     issued or taken on or after January 20, 2025, whether set 
     forth in a memorandum, executive order, regulation, 
     directive, or by other action;
       Whereas, under section 212(f) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1182(f)), the President has been given broad authority to 
     suspend the entry of all aliens, or to impose any 
     restrictions upon the entry of aliens the President deems 
     appropriate, allowing the President to bar the entry of 
     nationals whose admission could be detrimental to the 
     interests of the United States;
       Whereas, under section 208(b)(2)(C) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 
     1158(b)(2)(C)), the Department of Homeland Security is 
     authorized to promulgate additional limitations and 
     conditions under which an alien shall be ineligible for 
     asylum, including making asylum seekers ineligible if they 
     enter or attempt to enter the United States across the 
     southern border without first applying for protection from 
     persecution or torture in at least 1 country, other than the 
     alien's country of citizenship, nationality, or last lawful 
     habitual residence, through which the alien transited en 
     route to the United States; and
       Whereas the ``Remain in Mexico'' policy (also known as the 
     Migrant Protection Protocols) was an effective measure that 
     enhanced border security, helped deter illegal entries, and 
     made the United States safer: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) affirms that the President has the authority under the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.), 
     including sections 208(a)(2)(A), 212(f), and 235(b)(2)(C) (8 
     U.S.C. 1158(a)(2)(A), 1182(f), and 1225(b)(2)(C)) to take 
     action to secure the southern border and protect the 
     sovereignty and security of the United States; and
       (2) urges the President and the Secretary of Homeland 
     Security to utilize all available statutory authority to 
     expeditiously reinstate or implement policies and programs 
     that will promote orderly and lawful entry at the border, 
     deter illegal immigration, and protect national security, 
     including by--
       (A) immediately removing illegal aliens;
       (B) immediately returning illegal aliens to Mexico;
       (C) reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols (commonly 
     known as ``Remain in Mexico'') or any substantially similar 
     policy;
       (D) ending the catch-and-release policy;

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       (E) ending abuses of humanitarian parole authority;
       (F) detaining inadmissible aliens;
       (G) making illegal aliens ineligible for asylum;
       (H) using expedited removal authority; and
       (I) eliminating taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal 
     aliens.

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