U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R) has introduced the Pausing All Admissions Until Security Ensured (PAUSE) Act, legislation aimed at freezing nearly all legal immigration to the U.S., except for temporary tourist visas, until key reforms are enacted to ensure the system prioritizes American citizens.
"The problem isn't just illegal immigration; it's also legal immigration," said Roy. "The Biden administration has overwhelmed our system, and the American people deserve an immigration system that works for them, not against them."
Roy cited issues with H-1B visas, chain migration, and access to federal programs, arguing that the current system is a disadvantage to American workers and families.
The PAUSE Act would suspend new admissions until Congress codifies reforms on birthright citizenship, family-based immigration limits, and access to federal benefits, while restricting entry for individuals linked to foreign adversaries or extremist groups.
The bill is co-sponsored by fellow Texas Representatives such as Keith Self (R) and Brandon Gill (R).
Rosemary Jenks, co-founder of the Immigration Accountability Project, praised the legislation.
"Rep. Roy's Pause Act provides exactly the pause in immigration necessary for America to get our house in order," said Jenks. "A national conversation about immigration that serves American interests is long overdue."
Wade Miller, Executive Director of Citizens for Renewing America emphasized that the bill "puts Americans back in charge of who we admit into the U.S. and ensures that longstanding illegal and legal immigration issues are addressed."
RJ Hauman, president of the National Immigration Center for Enforcement, highlighted the security component, noting the bill "freezes legal admissions until Congress implements standards that close pull factors, restore order, and protect the public upholding America's constitutional order."
