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The bill, dubbed by Donald Trump as "the big and beautiful", will increase funding to strengthen border control and complete the construction of the wall separating the United States from Mexico.
In a statement published on X this Friday by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, the official assured that there would be additional funds to complete the border wall "with cutting-edge technology."
His message reiterates that the wall will provide "security" for the country and for future generations.
"We have the safest border in the history of the United States, but we cannot relent in our efforts. The Big Beautiful bill will ensure more funding to complete the construction of the border wall with cutting-edge technology that will secure our homeland for future generations," he said.
Noem assured that the ambitious tax package promoted by President Donald Trump will fund the hiring and training of more frontline Border Patrol and ICE agents to stop and expel immigrants, whom he once again referred to as "criminals."
The bill approved this Thursday by the House of Representatives by a narrow margin includes severe cuts to social programs such as Medicaid and food stamps; it will now be sent to the Senate, where significant changes are anticipated, according to the White House.
The legislative package includes historic tax cuts and a significant increase in spending on defense and border security.
It would also eliminate a $200 tax on firearm silencers, which has been in effect since Congress passed the National Firearms Act in 1934.
The Republicans also included amendments to expedite the work requirements to access social benefits and to prematurely eliminate the tax credits for energy established during the Biden administration.
The controversial border wall
Although most of the funding allocated in the legislation is directed towards tax cuts, it also includes resources for border security and defense.
Among the provisions of the bill are 46.5 billion dollars for the border wall, 4.1 billion dollars to hire Border Patrol agents and other personnel, and more than 2 billion dollars for hiring and retention bonuses for Border Patrol agents.
It also includes an additional fee of 1,000 dollars for individuals applying for asylum in the United States.
Since his return to the presidency in January 2025, Trump has reiterated his commitment to the construction of the wall, one of the most prominent promises of his first term.
At the beginning of this month, the United States government announced that the construction of at least 79 miles of the new border wall is now underway.
On the other hand, Marine Corps personnel were deployed in San Ysidro, California, where they are working alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to install barbed wire along the existing wall to strengthen containment measures.
Frequently asked questions about Trump's bill to increase border control
What is Trump's "big and beautiful" bill?
Trump's "big and beautiful" bill is a legislative initiative aimed at increasing funds to strengthen border control and complete the construction of the wall between the United States and Mexico. Additionally, it includes measures to hire more Border Patrol and ICE agents, as well as significant cuts to social programs like Medicaid and food stamps.
What are the main criticisms of Trump's bill?
The main criticisms of Trump's bill focus on its cuts to social programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, which would impact millions of vulnerable Americans. There is also concern regarding the intensive focus on border security and defense, while support for health and housing is reduced. Figures like Barack Obama have warned about the negative social consequences of these measures.
What impact will the bill have on immigration and border control?
The bill will increase funding for the construction of the border wall and for hiring more Border Patrol and ICE agents. It also establishes a fee of $1,000 for individuals applying for asylum in the United States, which could deter some immigrants from seeking refuge in the country. Additionally, the bill is part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration policies under the Trump administration.
How will the bill affect social programs in the United States?
The bill includes severe cuts to social programs such as Medicaid and food stamps, which could leave many individuals without access to healthcare and food assistance. It also tightens work requirements to access social benefits, which will impact those who depend on these programs for their daily well-being.
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