The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill known as the Blocking Assistance and Resources to Restrict Illegal Entry and Residency Act, aimed at eliminating federal financial support for organizations that assist illegal immigration. The bill is co-sponsored by several Republican representatives, including Lauren Boebert and Mary Miller.
Representative Matt Gaetz, a key proponent of the legislation, criticized NGOs for allegedly aiding illegal immigrants in crossing the U.S. border and remaining in the country unlawfully. He stated, "My legislation, the BARRIER Act, will strip these organizations of their federal funding, which can be used to assist those who break federal law. The federal government should not be financing the destruction of its own country."
The proposed law would prohibit the provision of transportation, shelter, financial support, or legal assistance to illegal immigrants. A network of NGOs has been accused of facilitating immigration violations, with organizations such as Catholic Charities USA and United Way Worldwide among those targeted.
This legislative effort comes amid ongoing debates about immigration policy in the U.S., with significant implications for organizations involved in refugee and immigrant support. The broader impact of the bill could lead to increased scrutiny of NGOs and alter the landscape of immigration assistance in the country.