With public health emergency rules expiring, one Maine congressman has introduced a bill to secure the United States' southern border.
U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-ME, has filed the Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act, which would secure the border from the unlawful entry of those seeking asylum and illegal drugs.
According to a release, the bill would speed up asylum-seeker permits for Maine’s small businesses seeking workers.
“The United States is a nation of immigrants and also a nation of laws,” King said in a statement. “The Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act will support border patrol personnel in their efforts to stop people and drugs from unlawful entry into our country. As Congress works toward a comprehensive, responsible approach to manage the southern border, this bill strikes an appropriate balance.
Under the bill, border security would be strengthened by investing funding into U.S. Customs and Border Protection to increase capacity, personnel, and technology. The funding would allow for situational awareness between ports of entry while increasing staff and technology by equipping personnel with the ability to curb illegal drug entry.