GOP’s New Act Proposes Bold Changes to Immigration Policies

Binder labeled Legislation

House Republicans have introduced a bill that would permanently block illegal immigrants from ever obtaining American citizenship, setting the stage for a fundamental shift in US immigration policy.

Key Takeaways

  • The No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act, introduced by Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make illegal entrants permanently ineligible for naturalization.
  • The bill is co-sponsored by several Republican representatives and aligns with President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
  • Border crossings have reportedly decreased by 98% under the new Trump administration compared to previous years.
  • A companion bill, the PARENT Act, seeks to limit birthright citizenship to children with at least one US citizen or lawful permanent resident parent.
  • The legislation faces potential challenges in the Senate, where it would need to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

Republican Legislation Takes Firm Stand on Illegal Immigration

Republican Representative Cory Mills of Florida has introduced the No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act, a bill that would permanently prevent illegal immigrants from becoming American citizens. The legislation seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 by adding language that would make anyone who entered the country illegally ineligible for naturalization, regardless of how long they have resided in the United States. The bill has garnered support from several Republican co-sponsors, including Representatives Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, and Andy Harris of Maryland.

The introduction of this bill comes as part of a broader Republican effort to strengthen immigration enforcement and border security. According to reports, illegal border crossings have significantly decreased under the new Trump administration, with some claiming a 98% reduction compared to peak numbers under the previous administration. US Customs and Border Protection reported approximately 2.9 million encounters with illegal immigrants in fiscal year 2024, highlighting the scale of the issue that Republicans seek to address.

Lawmakers Cite Border Crisis as Motivation

Representative Mills has been vocal about his motivation for introducing the legislation, pointing to what Republicans characterize as a border crisis under the previous administration. The congressman has expressed strong criticism of policies he believes contributed to unprecedented levels of illegal immigration. The bill reflects a significant hardening of the Republican position on immigration consequences, establishing clear penalties for those who bypass legal entry procedures.

Co-sponsor Josh Brecheen has emphasized the importance of maintaining the rule of law in America’s immigration system. The Oklahoma representative argues that allowing individuals who entered illegally to eventually obtain citizenship undermines the nation’s legal foundation. Republican lawmakers supporting the bill consistently frame citizenship as a privilege that should be reserved for those who comply with US immigration laws from the outset.

Companion Bill Targets Birthright Citizenship

The No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act is not the only Republican initiative aimed at reforming immigration policy. Mills has also introduced the PARENT Act, which addresses birthright citizenship by requiring at least one parent to be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident for a child born in the United States to receive automatic citizenship. This complements similar efforts by Representative Brian Babin of Texas, who introduced legislation to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, targeting what he describes as “birth tourism.”

President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship, which continues to face legal challenges. Republicans view these legislative proposals as necessary to complement Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The GOP is working on broader legislation to support Trump’s border security measures, but has opted to advance smaller bills like the No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act while more comprehensive reforms are developed.

Legislative Challenges Ahead

Despite Republican enthusiasm for the bill, it faces significant hurdles before potentially becoming law. While it may pass the Republican-controlled House, the legislation would likely encounter a Democratic filibuster in the Senate, requiring 60 votes to advance. Last year, approximately 818,500 people became US citizens through the naturalization process, highlighting the scale of legal immigration that continues alongside these policy debates.

The introduction of the No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act represents a significant marker in the ongoing immigration debate, signaling Republicans’ intention to fundamentally reshape how the United States addresses unauthorized immigration. Supporters see it as a necessary deterrent and enforcement mechanism, while opponents will likely challenge both its practicality and its alignment with American values regarding immigration and opportunity.

Sources:

  1. No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act
  2. New Bill Would Bar Illegal Aliens From Ever Becoming American Citizens
  3. Immigration News: Florida Congressman Introduces ‘No Citizenship for Alien Invaders Act’
  4. House GOP bill would bar illegal entrants to US from ever getting citizenship