Safeguarding Americans From Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act

This bill limits when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can let certain noncitizens enter the U.S. temporarily under “parole.” It says parole can only be used case by case for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit. Parole does not count as being admitted to the U.S., and once the reason for parole ends, the person must return to custody and their case continues like any other applicant for admission.

It also blocks parole for specific groups. DHS may not grant parole to refugees, or to people tied to terrorism or serious crime. The bill defines “known terrorist,” “suspected terrorist,” and “special interest alien,” and bars parole for people on the FBI Terrorism Watchlist; people inadmissible for espionage, sabotage, unlawful activity, or trying to overthrow the U.S. government; people inadmissible for criminal or terrorist activity (including membership in a transnational criminal organization or association with a terrorist group); people arrested, charged, or convicted for terrorism-related crimes; and people who may pose a national security risk based on travel patterns or other information showing a known or potential link to terrorism.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Arriving noncitizens seeking parole, including refugees and those flagged for terrorism or serious crime.
• What changes: Keeps parole strictly case by case for urgent need or public benefit; bans parole for refugees and specified national security/criminal categories; adds clear definitions for terrorist-related terms.
• When: Would apply after becoming law (no specific start date is stated).