Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Border Security is National Security Act of 2021”.
Border Security is National Security Act of 2021
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to certain asylum application procedures, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Immigration judge teams
In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall appoint or hire, as applicable, 200 immigration judge teams to serve in a court in the Southern District of Texas, Southern District of California, Western District of Texas, District of Arizona, or the District of New Mexico.
Immigration judge team defined— In this section, the term “immigration judge team” includes:
One immigration judge (as defined by section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101)).
One attorney.
One legal assistant.
Two other full-time employees, including additional legal staff, interpreters, or other staff supporting the mission of the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Sec. 3 Asylum applications
Port of entry requirement for application— Section 208(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 118(b)(1)(A)) is amended—
by striking “The Secretary of Homeland Security” and inserting the following:
“(i) In general—The Secretary of Homeland Security”
by adding at the end the following new clause:
“(ii) Port of entry requirement—The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may grant asylum to an alien in accordance with this Act only if such alien has applied for asylum after entering the United States at a port of entry.”
Officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorized To conduct asylum interviews— Section 235(b)(1)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(E)) is amended in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting “, including an officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” after “immigration officer”.