Does the very culture of Somalia prevent immigrants from embracing the American way of life? That’s the argument made by Republican Representative Brandon Gill of Texas when he introduced his Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act on Wednesday, February 4. As well, Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar’s (R-FL) Dignity Act would allow some illegal immigrants to earn legal status – but only if they haven’t committed any other crimes.
These bills come at a time when immigration enforcement and the revelation of widespread welfare fraud – predominantly in the Somali community – and housing fraud has both issues at the forefront of the news and public opinion.
In introducing his bill on the floor on Wednesday, Gill said:
“78% of Somali immigrants in Minnesota alone receive welfare benefits, even after being in the United States for ten years or longer. Somali men commit crimes at rates significantly higher than Americans, and only about half of Somali immigrants can speak English very well. Again, that is even after being in our country for over a decade. The reality is that Somalia’s clan-based society is unassimilable into American society. It is time to put the American people first.”
Gill also claims mass Somali immigration makes the United States “weaker, poorer and erodes social trust.” Immigration, he says, should benefit American citizens.
The Texas congressman has joined the Sharia Free America Caucus, which also includes House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN). US Reps. Keith Self (R-TX) and Chip Roy (R-TX) launched the caucus in December, which has grown to 33 House members from 18 states.
“Islam is largely alien to American history. It certainly didn’t come into the into the United States on the Mayflower,” Gill said earlier in the week. “It’s something that we deliberately imported as a matter of immigration policy into our country and it’s going to destroy us just like it’s destroying Europe right now. It’s our job to stand up to that, to stand up for our values and to prohibit alien cultures and alien ideologies that do not comport with our own government governing framework.”
More than 99% of the population of Somalia are Sunni Muslim, according to the Federal Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.
Other Republicans, however, want to extend some protections to illegal immigrants with the Dignity Act, which also has resurfaced after the recent shootings of anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota. It would allow illegal migrants to earn legal status but not provide a pathway to citizenship. As well, anyone who participates is barred from receiving any welfare benefits. It is sponsored by US Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and 18 of 37 co-sponsors are Republicans.
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) appeared on FOX’s The Will Cain Show on February 4 to defend the legislation. Lawler explained that not every one of the 25 million illegal aliens who have entered the US has committed another crime aside from their entry. Those who haven’t – either in the US or their country of origin – can earn legal status by paying a fine and any back taxes they may owe. The requirements under this bill include that the illegal immigrants must not have committed a crime either in the US or their country of origin.
Lawler said:
“Recognizing the number of people who are in this county and the economic impact on this country, we want to create a legal pathway for those who have been here long-term, meaning, more than 5 years, more than the Biden administration disaster that was created by allowing open borders.”
The two pieces of legislation appear to be coming from competing positions. With full-year funding for DHS still being negotiating and the Trump administration pulling back ICE agents in Minnesota, can either bill survive the current political climate?
