House Republican leaders, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congressman Nick Langworthy, who represents a district that includes parts of Schuyler and Steuben counties, have introduced new legislation aimed at tightening immigration parole policies. The bill, titled the “Safeguarding America from Extremists Risks (SAFER) at the Border Act”, seeks to restrict parole eligibility for individuals considered national security threats or linked to criminal organizations.
According to its sponsors, the bill would:
— Prohibit immigration parole for individuals identified as terrorists, members of transnational criminal groups, or those listed in federal threat databases;
— Prevent the use of parole to admit refugees outside the formal refugee admissions process;
— Bar entry to individuals with ties to espionage, terrorism, or foreign criminal networks.
Supporters of the bill argue that current immigration policies under the Biden administration have led to increased security risks and strained communities across New York and the country. Critics of the administration’s approach have pointed to the use of humanitarian parole and sanctuary policies as contributing factors.
Langworthy said the legislation is a response to growing concern from his constituents in the Southern Tier and across the state about the impact of federal immigration policies.
“My constituents are fed up with the flood of murderers, terrorists, and dangerous individuals that poured into our communities across New York State—all because of the reckless, failed open-border policies of the Biden administration,” said Congressman Langworthy. “A nation without secure borders is a nation in decline, and it’s time we take bold, decisive action to reverse the chaos of the last four years.”
The SAFER at the Border Act is expected to be taken up in the House in the coming weeks.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
