Rep. Gill Bill to Block Immigration from Somalia

Washington, D.C. -Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26) today introduced the Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act, which imposes a 25-year moratorium on immigration from Somalia into the United States, codifying into law what President Trump has already done by executive action.

"Mass Somali immigration makes the United States weaker, poorer and erodes social trust," said Rep. Gill. "The sole aim of our immigration system is to benefit American citizens, not facilitate mass migration from corrupt, failed societies. The recent fraud scandal in Minnesota highlights the acute dangers of unchecked immigration. A Somalia immigration moratorium puts the American people first, restores our national sovereignty, protects taxpayers and supports public safety."

This legislation establishes a statutory moratorium that applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas. It would pause new admissions from Somalia, enabling our immigration policy to better secure our national security, fiscal responsibility, and national interest, while facilitating the integration of Somalis currently in the United States. Somalia lacks reliable identity-management and vetting systems, making immigrant risk assessment extremely difficult. Since immigration control is a core act of national sovereignty, the U.S. has both the right and responsibility to protect our public safety and national security.

Cosponsors (4): Mary Miller, Clay Higgins, Randy Fine, Andy Biggs

Background

• This policy is consistent with President Trump's Proclamation 10998, Proclamation 10949, and Executive Order 13769. Nationality-based immigration restrictions have existed for over 140 years. The Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act largely codifies the travel restrictions in Proclamation 10998
• Since the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, more than 70 million immigrants have arrived in the United States. Many of these immigrants have failed to properly assimilate into the United States. One such community where this has been a major problem has been the Somali community, particularly in Minnesota. Somali immigration in its current form does not help the economic or social wellbeing of the United States. Specifically, 81% of Somali immigrant households are on welfare; 73% of Somalis are on Medicaid; and 54% of Somalis are on Food Stamps. There are real problems with a group of immigrants coming to the United States, being overly reliant on social services, not assimilating into our culture, and creating distrust among the American people.
• The legislation is sufficiently tailored and would not apply to the following people:
• People already in the U.S. before enactment
  → Prevents retroactive application.
• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
  → Protects existing LPR status.
• Diplomatic and international organization visas
  → A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4
  → Preserves diplomatic and treaty obligations.

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