Lawmakers propose new act to tighten immigration oversight

Congressman Troy E. Nehls from Texas and Senator Jim Banks from Indiana have introduced the End Unaccountable Amnesty Act, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing congressional oversight over immigration policies. The bill seeks to tighten requirements for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), immigration parole, and the handling of unaccompanied alien children (UAC).

"The Biden-Harris Administration’s policies incentivized the worst border crisis in American history," stated Congressman Nehls. He further criticized President Biden's administration for allegedly importing individuals through mass parole programs, saying, "I’m proud to introduce legislation alongside Senator Banks to prevent future administrations from abusing TPS designations and parole authority."

Senator Banks echoed similar sentiments, claiming that "The Biden administration exploited current law to grant legal status to millions of non-citizens, overwhelming communities in Indiana and across the country." He emphasized that their bill aims to "end mass parole, eliminate incentives for illegal immigration, and help President Trump restore order after the chaos caused by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris."

The key components of the proposed legislation include:

- Restricting TPS designation approvals: Congress must approve TPS designations with terms limited to 12 months. Extensions require congressional acts.

- Limiting immigration parole: Annual cases are capped at 1,000 and restricted to emergencies such as urgent medical needs or law enforcement cooperation.

- Reforming UAC policies: Implementing stricter criteria for timely repatriation and enhanced DHS oversight.

- Prohibiting certain identification documents: Banning DHS-issued documents like CBP One app IDs as valid airport security IDs.

- Repealing “Cancellation of Removal” (Section 240A): Eliminating provisions allowing some non-citizens to avoid deportation.

Representatives Tom Tiffany, Derek Schmidt, Andy Biggs, and Jeff Van Drew are original cosponsors of this bill. Organizations supporting the act include the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE), Immigration Accountability Project, and NumbersUSA.