Senator Jim Banks, R-Ind., is urging Congress to pass a package of seven immigration bills to codify key Trump-era policies into law, warning that a future Democratic majority could dismantle them. Banks stated that legislative action is crucial before the upcoming midterm elections, as control of Congress hangs in the balance.
Key Immigration Proposals
The proposed legislation targets several areas of immigration policy, including birthright citizenship, visa regulations, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). One bill, dubbed the "Dalilah Law," aims to prevent states from issuing CDLs to individuals who are in the country illegally. This measure is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, a young girl critically injured in a multi-car accident caused by a truck driver who was in the U.S. illegally and possessed a CDL. The bill would also require states to revoke existing licenses issued to undocumented immigrants and mandate that commercial driving tests be administered solely in English.
Another significant proposal is the American Tech Workforce Act, which seeks to raise the minimum salary threshold for H-1B visa positions from $60,000 to $150,000. Proponents argue this change would create more job opportunities for American graduates, while critics suggest it could make the U.S. less attractive for foreign talent and limit H-1B hiring to major tech companies or highly specialized roles.
Additional bills in the package address increased border security funding for the Department of War, restrictions on chain migration, and stricter oversight of grants for colleges that employ undocumented immigrants. Banks characterized the seven bills as common-sense measures designed to address issues ranging from commercial trucking safety to visa misuse.
Concerns Over Future Democratic Policies
Banks expressed concern that a future Democratic administration, particularly one influenced by Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), would pursue open-border policies, seek to eliminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and advocate for defunding the police. He argued that without legislative codification, current immigration enforcement measures enacted under the Trump administration are vulnerable to reversal.
The senator also highlighted concerns regarding the misuse of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), advocating for Congress to have greater authority in determining its appropriate use. Banks stated that legislative control over TPS would ensure these policies remain in effect beyond the current presidential term.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., for comment on the immigration package and its potential for expedited consideration before the midterm elections.