Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, has introduced legislation to impose a 25-year moratorium on immigration from Somalia.
The move would codify into federal law restrictions previously enacted through executive action under President Donald Trump.
The Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to bar Somalis from receiving visas or immigration status for 25 years.
Under the bill, "no alien may be issued a visa or provided any status under the immigration laws" until 25 years after enactment, with limited exceptions.
"Mass Somali immigration makes the United States weaker, poorer, and erodes social trust," Gill said in a statement.
"The sole aim of our immigration system is to benefit American citizens, not facilitate mass migration from corrupt, failed societies."
The legislation comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding fraud cases in Minnesota involving federally funded programs.
The Department of Justice has charged dozens of individuals in cases involving the alleged misuse of a federal child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as alleged fraud tied to autism-related services and housing programs.
"The recent fraud scandal in Minnesota highlights the acute dangers of unchecked immigration," Gill said.
"A Somalia immigration moratorium puts the American people first, restores our national sovereignty, protects taxpayers, and supports public safety."
The bill would not apply to Somalis who were lawfully present in the U.S. before enactment, lawful permanent residents, or certain diplomatic and international visa categories.
It also makes Somali nationals ineligible for withholding of removal relief under Section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Gill's office said the measure is intended to establish a statutory moratorium on immigration from Somalia based on national security and sovereignty concerns.
The proposal builds on immigration enforcement and entry-restriction efforts pursued during Trump's first term.
In 2017, Trump issued an executive order directing heightened scrutiny and temporary limits on entry from several countries identified as presenting terrorism-related or vetting concerns, including Somalia.
That policy was later revised and upheld in part by the Supreme Court.
Last year, Trump issued two presidential proclamations creating a tiered system of entry restrictions targeting 39 countries, including Somalia, as well as the Palestinian Authority.
The proclamations cited national security concerns and what the administration described as "deficient" vetting standards, sharply limiting the issuance of green cards and certain temporary visas for affected nationals.
Gill's office also cited concerns about assimilation and reliance on public assistance.
It said that since the Immigration and Nationality Act was enacted in 1965, some immigrant groups, including Somalis, have struggled to assimilate into U.S. society.
According to data cited by Gill's office, 81% of Somali immigrant households receive welfare assistance, 73% are on Medicaid, and 54% receive food stamps.
"There are real problems with a group of immigrants coming to the United States, being overly reliant on social services, not assimilating into our culture, and creating distrust among the American people," Gill's office stated.
The bill currently has four cosponsors: Republican Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Randy Fine of Florida, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, and Mary Miller of Illinois.
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.