H.R. 3725: Preventing the Abuse of Immigration Parole Act (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, titled the Preventing the Abuse of Immigration Parole Act, aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with a focus on reforming how immigration parole is granted. Below is an overview of the main provisions and objectives of the bill:

Objective of the Bill

The bill seeks to limit the use of immigration parole to ensure it is only granted in specific, limited circumstances, emphasizing that parole should be a case-by-case decision based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.

Key Provisions

Discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security: The Secretary has the authority to grant temporary parole to individuals seeking admission to the U.S. but is required to evaluate each case individually.
Limitations on Parole:
- Parole will not count as an admission into the U.S., meaning that those granted parole must return once their purpose for being in the country has been fulfilled.
- Aliens from countries designated as "countries of concern" can only be paroled if the Secretary of State issues a waiver.
Annual Parole Cap: Beginning in fiscal year 2029, the total number of individuals granted parole each year will be capped at 3,000.
Legal Recourse for States: State attorneys general can sue the Secretary of Homeland Security if they believe the limitations of the parole process are being violated and such violations cause harm to the state or its residents, including financial harm exceeding $100. These cases will be expedited in court.

Findings and Justifications

The bill begins with a series of findings that assert:

Current parole usage allows for a high number of individuals to enter the U.S., which some legislators argue bypasses lawful immigration processes.
Concerns about national security, highlighting that broader applications of parole could lead to misuse.
Reference to judicial rulings that suggest prior interpretations of the parole authority have resulted in inconsistent enforcement of immigration laws.

Conclusion

The overall aim of the bill is to create a stricter framework for how immigration parole is exercised, ensuring that it is used sparingly and only in cases that meet the bill's defined criteria.