As Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz gets ready to defend his seat against challenger Gat Valimont in November while attempting to fend off a series of high-profile controversies, he has also been busy pushing the MAGA agenda during the campaign.
Gaetz introduced on Thursday the "Blocking Assistance and Resources to Restrict Illegal Entry and Residency Act of 2024," also known as the BARRIER Act of 2024 in the U.S. House of Representatives. aimed at restricting federal financial assistance to organizations that, in his words, "help migrants illegally enter the U.S. or give assistance to migrants unlawfully residing here."
The proposed legislation takes aim at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and corporations that offer or promote services like transportation or shelter to undocumented immigrants. If passed, the bill would make them no longer qualify for federal funds. The bill also targets organizations that offer longer-term assistance to undocumented individuals.
Gaetz's proposal intends to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used in ways that, according to an official statement of his, undermine the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
"NGOs and non-profits serve as the foot soldiers for the Biden-Harris administration's mass-migration policies by helping illegal aliens cross the border and stay here for years after illegally. My legislation, the BARRIER Act, will strip these organizations of their federal funding, which can be used to assist those who break federal law. The federal government should not be financing the destruction of its own country."
The bill, which is meant to reflect growing concerns among GOP lawmakers about the role of specific entities in supporting undocumented immigrants is cosponsored by Reps. Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Mary Miller (IL-15), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Randy Weber (TX-14), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Andy Ogles (TN-05), and Andy Biggs (AZ-05).
Under the BARRIER Act, which would go into effect in the fiscal year following its enactment, any entity that aids individuals in violation of U.S. immigration laws would be ineligible for federal financial assistance. This includes providing any form of support to those attempting entry or individuals already present in the U.S. without lawful status.
Immigration has become a top concern for Americans this election season, especially when it relates to undocumented immigrants. A recent poll by Ipsos and Syracuse University's Institute for Democracy, Journalism & Citizenship revealed that 66% of Americans expressed a favorable opinion to mass deportations being applied to undocumented immigrants.
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