CONGRESSMAN GONZALEZ INTRODUCES SAFE ZONES ACT OF 2022, PROVIDING A SAFE AND LEGAL PROCESS FOR MIGRANTS TO SEEK ASYLUM
Legislation seeks to allow migrants to seek asylum in designated “Safe Zones” located in their home countries.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) introduced H.R. 8823, the Safe Zones Act (SZA) of 2022, a critical piece of immigration legislation that addresses the safety of migrants and the security of the United States by offering a streamlined asylum process.
"America is a haven for those looking to escape poverty, violence, and religious or political persecution," stated Congressman Gonzalez. "It is time we address our flawed immigration process and ensure the safety of migrants and the security of our country. I am proud to introduce this legislation that allows individuals to apply for asylum in their home country—breaking the cycle of dependence on human traffickers and the deadly risk of trekking thousands of miles over harsh terrain.
"The Safe Zones Act provides much needed relief to our border communities and gives a humane path to asylum seekers, removing their reliance on cartels for passage to our southern border. The Safe Zones Act allows people to apply for asylum legally and securely in a process that alleviates pressure on our Border Patrol personnel, border communities, and our immigration courts. The scenes we have witnessed from migrants dying in tractor-trailers to drowning in the Rio Grande are nothing short of horrific and heartbreaking. It is time we adequately address immigration reform with common-sense, bipartisan measures that provide actual results.
"I urge my colleagues to join me and send this bill to President Biden's desk. Seeking a better life in the United States should not be a death sentence for families. It is time we change the system for the better."
The Safe Zones Act of 2022:
• Broadens the field of people who can conduct credible fear analysis beyond immigration officers to include immigration officers and trained and qualified staff as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
• Sustains the standard for credible fear as provided by Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Section 208 reaffirmed as bars to asylum.
• Streamlines the entire asylum claim process. After an individual passes the initial credible fear screening within a designated Safe Zone, they will have their asylum claim reviewed by an immigration judge within 90 days.
It also establishes "Safe Zones":
• Safe Zones are designated by the Secretary of State under section 207(g) to accept and process applications for refugee admissions to the United States.
• Safe Zones may include embassies, consulates, other diplomatic facilities, or other facilities as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary of State.
This bill also ensures additional personnel and the service of "Safe Zones":
• One year after the date of enactment of this Act, U.S Customs and Border Protection will hire and train new Border Patrol agents as determined necessary by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
• No later than 6 months after the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall hire 20 immigration judges and all appropriate support staff to carry out this Act.
• Ensures that the Safe Zones provide humane conditions and are safe and secure.
• Mandates that migrants are provided with adequate security to ensure safe zone is fortified from potential danger, temporary housing for migrants while their case is being adjudicated, adequate meals, access to medical care, social workers, the Legal Orientation Program and other services.
• Authorizes $40,000,000 to be appropriated each fiscal year to carry out this section.
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