Photo: Alamy
Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles on Thursday introduced legislation that would reshape the nation’s immigration system by reducing legal immigration pathways, tightening citizenship requirements and limiting immigrant access to public assistance programs.
The proposal, titled the “Assimilation Act,” was introduced in partnership with Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
“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 posted to X.
“FYI, net immigration immediately decreases by 85% under this bill. The H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized occupations, has long faced criticism from immigration restriction advocates who argue the system is vulnerable to fraud and abuse,” he added.
According to Ogles, the legislation would impose additional character screening requirements for immigrants, eliminate chain migration and the diversity visa lottery program and strongly limit birthright citizenship.
The bill would also establish stricter asylum standards, tighten rules governing eligibility for public welfare benefits, require English and civics proficiency for citizenship eligibility, and create a 10-year residency requirement before naturalization.
Several Republican lawmakers joined as co-sponsors of the legislation, including Reps. Lauren Boebert, Barry Moore, Mary Miller, Morgan Luttrell, Eli Crane, Keith Self and Ralph Norman.
Tuberville shared the bill in the Senate, emphasizing the legislation’s importance in a statement on Thursday.
“I’m glad to see the Trump administration is working overtime to deport the millions of criminals who came here illegally during the Biden administration,” Tuberville said.
“But we also need to remove the incentives that are encouraging people who hate this country to come here in the first place. Under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, thousands of terrorists, drug dealers, and criminals were welcomed into the United States with open arms. Unsurprisingly, too many of these illegals are now seeking to harm American citizens and destroy our way of life. Enough is enough. Coming to this country is a privilege, not a right. If you hate this country and refuse to assimilate, we do not want you here,” he continued.
