Quick Look:
- Proposed legislation aims to expand surveillance powers at the US border, raising concerns about privacy and burdening immigration systems.
- The bill would expand the use of Section 702 of FISA to screen and vet visitors, including asylum seekers and visa applicants.
- Civil rights experts and immigrant rights groups argue that the proposal unfairly targets immigrant communities and violates privacy rights.
Americans with family overseas who hope to visit the United States may soon face an increased risk of being surveilled by their own government. Congress is considering expanding vetting procedures at the US border that would subject immigrants and foreign visitors to the same levels of scrutiny as suspected terrorists and spies. This has sparked concerns among civil rights experts and immigrant rights groups who argue that it would encumber already broken immigration and asylum systems.
The Proposed Legislation
A bill introduced by members of the Senate Intelligence Committee (SSCI) and forthcoming legislation from its House counterpart aim to expand the use of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for screening and vetting visitors to the US. The House bill, yet to be introduced, would also target asylum seekers, nonimmigrant visa applicants, and green card applicants.
The 702 Program and Surveillance Powers
Section 702 of FISA allows the government to force US companies to wiretap the communications of foreigners who are presumed to be overseas, even when they are communicating with people inside the US. This program intercepts billions of calls, texts, and emails, which are stored in a searchable database accessible by four US intelligence agencies.
The Concerns
The proposal to expand the 702 program to include routine vetting of people entering the United States has raised concerns among civil rights experts. They argue that it would burden the already overwhelmed immigration and asylum systems. Currently, there are over 2 million pending cases in US immigration courts, with an average case taking more than four years to adjudicate.
The Impact on Immigrant and Minority Communities
Immigrants, particularly those with international ties, may face an increased risk of having their communications intercepted by the 702 program. Immigrant rights groups and nonprofits combating racism against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities strongly oppose this proposal. They argue that expanding warrantless surveillance to specifically target immigrant communities would not only be harmful but also continue the unfair treatment of Asian Americans and Asian immigrants.
The Perspective of Rights Groups
Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), states that the Section 702 program “invariably” intercepts communications between foreigners and their American family members. Expanding the program for vetting purposes would entail “entirely suspicionless searches” of these communications.
Andy Wong, a director of advocacy at Stop AAPI Hate, criticizes Democrats for supporting this move, describing it as a “betrayal” of the Latino and Asian American communities. He emphasizes the need for leaders who dismantle systemic racism rather than entrench policies that leave vulnerable communities more exposed and separated.
The Need for Privacy and Immigration Reform
Experts argue that there are already sufficient vetting mechanisms in place to ensure national security and public safety without violating individuals’ privacy rights. Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s liberty & national security program, highlights the importance of allowing people to visit, work, or study in the United States without subjecting their private communications to government scrutiny.
The Role of Congress
The House Intelligence Committee (HPSCI) is preparing a bill that would allow the government to search the 702 database for the purpose of screening and vetting immigration and non-immigrant visa applicants. However, experts warn that this proposal would likely impact millions of law-abiding individuals, including those with work permits and student visas.
Senior congressional sources reveal that the HPSCI bill may be introduced soon. It is expected to contrast significantly with a bipartisan bill introduced in the House Judiciary Committee (HJC), which includes privacy reforms and limitations on accessing Americans’ communications amassed by the 702 program. The HJC traditionally faces opposition when pursuing surveillance reform, as leaders tend to prioritize the requests of the intelligence community.
Moving Forward
As the debate continues, it is essential to strike a balance between national security concerns and protecting individuals’ privacy rights. Immigration and asylum systems in the United States need comprehensive reform, focusing on streamlining processes and reducing the enormous backlog of pending cases.
Individuals, especially those within immigrant and minority communities, should stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. It is crucial to support organizations that advocate for privacy rights, immigration reform, and combating racism.
For more information about immigration laws and procedures, you can visit official government websites such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Remember, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their immigration status or background.
So, it turns out that visiting the US might come with a side of surveillance! Congress is considering subjecting immigrants and foreign visitors to intense scrutiny using the same tactics used to track terrorists and spies. Civil rights groups and experts are not thrilled, arguing that it will only bog down an already broken system. Yikes! Want to dive deeper into this crazy tech-like world? Check out visaverge.com for more info! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Pocket Piece:
Congress is considering expanding vetting procedures at the US border, subjecting immigrants and foreign visitors to the same scrutiny as suspected terrorists and spies. This has sparked concerns from civil rights and immigrant rights groups who argue it will burden broken immigration and asylum systems. Privacy rights and immigration reform are crucial moving forward.
Did you Know?
Did You Know?
- Between 1820 and 1930, more than 4.5 million Italians migrated to the United States, making them the largest immigrant group during that time period.
- In 1917, the Immigration Act was passed, which required immigrants over the age of 16 to pass a literacy test in order to enter the United States. This law aimed to limit immigration from certain countries and favor immigrants from Western Europe.
- The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first significant law passed to restrict immigration into the United States. It banned the entry of Chinese laborers and was not repealed until 1943.
- Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, was the main immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954. Over 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island during that time.
- The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the quota system that favored immigrants from Western Europe and opened the doors to immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- In 2019, there were roughly 44.9 million immigrants living in the United States, accounting for approximately 13.7% of the overall population.
- The H-1B visa, a popular work visa for highly skilled immigrants, has an annual cap of 85,000 visas. In recent years, the demand for H-1B visas has far exceeded the available slots, leading to a lottery system for selection.
- The United States has the highest number of immigrants in the world, with more than twice as many immigrants as the next highest country, Germany.
- According to the Pew Research Center, immigrants in the United States are more likely to start their own businesses compared to native-born Americans. In 2018, immigrants accounted for 29% of all new entrepreneurs in the country.
- The United States has a diversity visa lottery program that grants 50,000 visas each year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The program aims to promote diversity in the immigrant population.
These fascinating facts about immigration shed light on the historical, cultural, and statistical aspects of one of the most prevalent issues in today’s society. From the waves of Italian immigrants to the passage of immigration restrictions, these facts showcase the rich and complex history of immigration in the United States. Additionally, the numbers highlight the significant contributions immigrants make to the economy and entrepreneurial landscape of the country, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. Exploring these lesser-known aspects can deepen our understanding of immigration and its impact on society.
Learn Today: Key Terms Explained
Glossary/Definitions:
Asylum Seekers: Individuals who flee their home countries due to fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group and apply for protection in another country.
Visa Applicants: Individuals who submit an application to obtain a visa, which grants them permission to enter a country for various purposes, such as tourism, work, study, or residency.
Civil Rights Experts: Professionals who specialize in ensuring that individuals’ civil rights, such as equal protection under the law and freedom from discrimination, are upheld.
Immigrant Rights Groups: Organizations that advocate for the rights, fair treatment, and social integration of immigrants in the receiving country.
Section 702: A provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that allows the U.S. government to collect, store, and analyze communications of non-U.S. persons outside the United States in order to gather intelligence on potential threats.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): Legislation that establishes the legal framework for surveillance and collection of intelligence information for national security purposes.
Wiretap: The act of intercepting or monitoring electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, or text messages, usually authorized by law enforcement or intelligence agencies for investigative purposes.
Surveillance: The systematic monitoring of individuals, groups, or activities, typically conducted by government agencies, to gather information for security, intelligence, or law enforcement purposes.
Green Card Applicants: Individuals who apply for Lawful Permanent Resident status in the United States, commonly known as a “Green Card,” granting them the right to live and work in the country permanently.
Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants: Individuals who apply for a temporary visa to enter the United States for specific purposes, such as tourism, business, study, or temporary employment.
Pending Cases: Immigration cases that are awaiting a decision or resolution in immigration courts or administrative proceedings.
Adjudicate: The formal process of reviewing evidence, evaluating legal arguments, and making a decision or judgment in a legal case.
Intercept: The act of capturing or obtaining communication data, such as phone calls, emails, or text messages, for the purpose of surveillance or intelligence gathering.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Communities: Communities in the United States composed of individuals with roots in Asia and the Pacific Islands, including countries such as China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and many others.
Betrayal: A breach of trust or perceived abandonment, often used in the context of someone or something going against the best interests or expectations of a particular group.
Brennan Center for Justice: A nonpartisan law and policy institute that focuses on issues related to civil liberties, democracy, fair justice systems, and constitutional rights.
Vetting Mechanisms: Processes and procedures used to assess and evaluate individuals’ eligibility, background, or suitability for immigration, visa, or citizenship status.
Work Permits: Documents that authorize individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents to work in a particular country for a specific period of time.
Student Visas: Documents that allow international students to study in another country for a specific academic program or course of study.
Backlog: A large number of cases or applications that are pending processing, resulting in delays in decision-making or resolution.
House Intelligence Committee (HPSCI): A committee in the U.S. House of Representatives responsible for overseeing the activities of the intelligence community and conducting investigations related to national security.
House Judiciary Committee (HJC): A committee in the U.S. House of Representatives that has jurisdiction over matters related to the administration of justice, including civil rights, constitutional issues, and immigration laws.
Intelligence Community: A collective term referring to the various government agencies, departments, and organizations responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence information to support national security and foreign policy objectives.
National Security Concerns: Issues and threats related to the protection of a nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, which may justify the implementation of security measures and policies.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): The federal agency responsible for administering immigration laws, processing immigration benefits and applications, and providing information and resources related to immigration and citizenship in the United States.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): A U.S. government agency created to protect the country from various threats, including terrorism, by securing borders, managing immigration and transportation systems, ensuring cybersecurity, and responding to natural disasters and emergencies.
Immigration Status: The legal classification of an individual’s presence and rights within a country, typically determined by the terms of their visa, residency permit, or immigration authorization.
