Sen. Tom Cotton Proposes Bills Targeting Immigration Policies

On Tuesday, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) put forth two pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering immigration security and ensuring that only American citizens qualify for in-state college tuition. In a conversation with Breitbart News, Cotton emphasized that his approach seeks to “close loopholes that are frequently exploited” by those who are in the country illegally.

The America Students First Act specifically identifies 22 states and the District of Columbia for allegedly violating Section 505 of the Constitution, which is part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This law prohibits offering in-state tuition rates to students who lack legal residency unless comparable rates are given to all U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live.

According to the bill, by 2025, these states and the District of Columbia are still providing in-state rates to individuals who don’t have lawful residency, circumventing federal regulations. This practice reportedly costs U.S. taxpayers over $1 billion each year.

If the legislation passes, it could result in the Department of Education seizing funds from states that do not comply. The bill, if enacted, would take effect for school years starting after July 1, 2026.

Cotton argues that such subsidies create perverse incentives for illegal immigration, offering benefits not available to nonresident American citizens and undermining the rule of law. He stated, “Arkansas taxpayers should not be subsidizing college tuition for non-citizens,” reiterating that his bill prioritizes students by ensuring that only Americans benefit from in-state tuition.

The other proposed legislation, the Asylum Reform and Loophole Closing Act, aims to disqualify illegal immigrants from seeking asylum permanently. It proposes stricter standards for non-citizen asylum seekers, including a one-year deadline to file applications.

This bill mandates that any asylum-seeking individuals who enter the U.S. through other nations must have formally sought and been denied asylum in those countries to qualify for U.S. protection. Furthermore, any individual who enters the U.S. illegally or commits visa fraud would be permanently barred from asylum status, with no exceptions for those missing the one-year filing window.

Cotton expressed concern that asylum seekers often exploit the system, leading to indefinite stays that drain local resources. He believes his legislation would enforce tighter standards by closing the loopholes currently in use.

He has consistently pushed for tougher reforms against illegal immigration. In December, he introduced another bill to cut federal benefits, such as Medicaid, housing assistance, and student financial aid, for noncitizens.

Additionally, Cotton has proposed measures to authorize the denaturalization and expedite removal of naturalized citizens who engage in illegal protests that threaten domestic peace and involve violence or property damage.

The bills also touch on issues related to Afghan nationals living in the U.S., especially in light of recent incidents involving individuals linked to the Biden administration’s Operation Welcoming Allies.