TEXAS Republican proposes bill to put a 25-year moratorium on Muslim immigration from Somalia

Rep. Brandon Gill, (R-TX) has introduced legislation to impose a 25-year moratorium on immigration from Somalia. The move would codify into federal law restrictions previously enacted through executive action under President Trump. The Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to bar Somalis from receiving visas or immigration status for 25 years.

Newsmax “Mass Somali immigration makes the United States weaker, poorer, and erodes social trust,” Gill said in a statement. “The sole aim of our immigration system is to benefit American citizens, not facilitate mass migration from corrupt, failed societies.”

The legislation comes amid hundred of Somalis being arrested in multi-billion dollar (currently $19 billion) fraud cases in Minnesota involving federally funded programs. “The recent fraud scandal in Minnesota highlights the acute dangers of unvetted immigration,” Gill said.

Under the bill, “no alien may be issued a visa or provided any status under the immigration laws” until 25 years after enactment, with limited exceptions. “Mass Somali immigration makes the United States weaker, poorer, and erodes social trust,” Gill said in a statement.

A Somalia immigration moratorium puts the American people first, restores our national sovereignty, protects taxpayers, and supports public safety.”

The bill also makes Somali nationals already in the U.S. ineligible for withholding of removal relief under Section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Gill’s office said the measure is intended to establish a statutory moratorium on immigration from Somalia based on national security and sovereignty concerns.

In 2017, Trump issued an executive order directing heightened scrutiny and temporary limits on entry from several countries identified as presenting terrorism-related or vetting concerns, including Somalia.

According to data cited by Gill’s office, 81% of Somali immigrant households receive welfare assistance, 73% are on Medicaid, and 54% receive 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,” Gill’s office stated.