A newly introduced bill by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) seeks to cut off federal funding to non-profit groups that assist illegal immigrants. The bill, known as the BARRIER Act, aims to penalize organizations that help illegal aliens cross the border and remain in the country.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has introduced legislation that would strip federal funds from non-profit organizations assisting illegal immigrants. The bill, titled the Blocking Assistance and Resources to Restrict Illegal Entry and Residency (BARRIER) Act, targets organizations that facilitate the border crossing of undocumented individuals and aid them in remaining in the country.
NGO Funding Bill Targets Groups Assisting Illegal Immigrants
Gaetz's bill argues that such groups act as "foot soldiers" for the Biden administration's immigration policies, enabling illegal immigrants to evade detection and settle in the United States. The bill would also penalize organizations that provide aid to illegal immigrants already residing in the country.
The BARRIER Act is co-sponsored by a group of Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Mary Miller (R-Ill.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).
NGO Funding Bill Targets Groups Assisting Illegal Immigrants
Gaetz maintains that the federal government should not finance activities that undermine its own border security efforts. He emphasized that "the destruction of its own country" should not be funded by taxpayers.
The BARRIER Act, if enacted, would likely revoke federal grants for organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center, American Immigration Council, and CASA. These groups have expressed concerns that the bill would hinder their ability to provide essential services to vulnerable immigrant communities.
NGO Funding Bill Targets Groups Assisting Illegal Immigrants
The debate over illegal immigration and the influx of migrants at the southern border has intensified in recent months. Data from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with criminal records, including sex offenses and homicides, may have been released into the country.
The Biden administration has been criticized for its handling of the border crisis and the release of migrants into the interior of the United States. Advocates claim that the focus on public safety and national security threats has come at the expense of deporting criminal aliens.
NGO Funding Bill Targets Groups Assisting Illegal Immigrants
The number of illegal immigrants on the nondetained docket has soared, rising from 3.7 million in fiscal 2021 to nearly 4.8 million in fiscal 2022 and to over 7 million in fiscal 2023. This has raised concerns about the ability of the immigration system to effectively manage the influx of undocumented individuals.
Illegal immigration and border security are significant issues in the current election cycle. Voters are concerned about the potential impact on public safety and the burden on social services. The BARRIER Act represents an attempt by Republican lawmakers to address these concerns.
The introduction of the BARRIER Act highlights the ongoing debate over the role of non-profit organizations in assisting illegal immigrants. Proponents of the bill argue that such groups facilitate the undermining of border security and reward those who break the law. Critics contend that the bill would harm vulnerable communities and impede the provision of essential services. The outcome of the bill in Congress remains uncertain and will be closely watched by both sides of the immigration debate.
