House Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), are introducing a new bill aimed at cutting federal funding to non-profits and NGOs that assist illegal immigrants. The Blocking Assistance and Resources to Restrict Illegal Entry and Residency (BARRIER) Act seeks to stop taxpayer dollars from being used to support organizations that help migrants enter and stay in the U.S. illegally.
Gaetz, a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, argued that these organizations play a key role in enabling illegal immigration. “My legislation will strip these organizations of their federal funding,” Gaetz said in a statement. He emphasized that the government should not fund efforts that undermine national security and immigration laws.
The BARRIER Act, co-sponsored by Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Andy Ogles (R-TN), and Lauren Boebert (R-CO), would affect groups such as the American Immigration Council and the National Immigration Law Center, which have been accused of aiding illegal immigration. The bill would not only cut off federal funding for organizations working at the border but also target those assisting illegal immigrants already in the U.S.
Illegal immigration has been a major issue in the run-up to the 2024 election, with concerns over border security taking center stage. Gaetz’s bill comes after new reports of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including the tragic murder of a nursing student by an illegal immigrant in Georgia. These incidents have further fueled the debate over immigration policies and border enforcement.
If the BARRIER Act is passed, it could significantly limit the ability of NGOs to operate with federal funding. The legislation is likely to gain strong backing from conservatives, who have long been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of the border crisis.