U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema calls for 'swift justice' for asylum seekers entering the U.S.

By Ignacio Ventura
Published: Monday, February 5, 2024 - 9:58am
Updated: Monday, February 5, 2024 - 10:36am

Kyrsten Sinema
Office of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema speaks at an event with the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in August 2023.

Independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is part of a coalition of lawmakers working on an immigration bill that will change how asylum seekers enter the country. It would end the policy of catching and releasing migrants and establish a new standard for lawful entry.

The newly proposed legislation would immediately place migrants in short-term detention or send them back to their home country.

“Instead, we'll make swift justice. Folks who do qualify for asylum will be on a rapid path, six months or less, to start a new life in America. And those who do not qualify will quickly be returned to their home countries," Sinema said.

Speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Sinema also said the legislation would require the federal government to shut down the border if the number of asylum seekers reaches 4,000 per day.

PoliticsFronterasImmigration Southwest Border