Proposed Moratorium on Somali Immigration by Texas Congressman

On Tuesday, Congressman Brandon Gill from Texas put forward a bill aimed at instituting a 25-year ban on immigration for individuals from Somalia. He argues that this measure is necessary due to what he describes as a lack of assimilation into American society and widespread fraud within federal welfare programs.

In a statement to Breitbart News regarding the Somali Immigration Moratorium Act, Gill expressed, “Mass Somali immigration weakens, impoverishes, and erodes public trust in the United States.” He continued by emphasizing that the immigration system should primarily serve the American populace rather than promote immigration from what he characterizes as a “corrupt and failed society.” He pointed out a recent fraud scandal in Minnesota as a critical example of the dangers posed by unregulated immigration, asserting that this proposed moratorium prioritizes American citizens, restores national sovereignty, safeguards taxpayers, and enhances public safety.

Gill’s bill seeks to amend Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, effectively preventing immigration relief for Somali nationals for a quarter of a century, though it would maintain their current legal status and respect U.S. treaty commitments. This proposal aligns with the immigration policies previously advocated by former President Donald Trump, including several declarations and an executive order concerning national security and immigration practices.

However, the suspension would not impact individuals already residing in the U.S. before the law’s passage, lawful permanent residents, or those with diplomatic or international visas.

Since the Immigration and Nationality Act came into effect in 1965, over 70 million immigrants have arrived in the United States.

The Somali community has been notably tied to abuses within a significant federal welfare program, with reported incidents involving approximately $9 billion in fraud linked to members of this community in Minnesota.

Beyond the controversies surrounding fraud that have made headlines, the Somali population has largely benefitted from various welfare programs. This data illustrates that:

• 81 percent of Somali immigrant households rely on welfare.
• 73 percent of the Somali community utilizes Medicaid.
• 54 percent of Somalis access food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Should the bill pass, it would impose a moratorium on immigration from Somalia, aiming to align immigration policies more closely with national security interests and fiscal responsibility.

In January, the Trump administration also sought to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for many Somalis living in the U.S. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “When we say temporary, we mean temporary. Conditions in Somalia have improved to the point they no longer qualify under the Temporary Protected Status Act.” She further noted that allowing Somali nationals to remain in the country temporarily runs counter to national interests, reiterating that the focus should remain on prioritizing Americans.