Story Highlights
- House Republicans introduced a bill to end Biden’s migrant parole program.
- Lawmakers say the policy allows mass illegal entry into the U.S.
- Democrats argue parole authority is legal and humanitarian.
What Happened
House Republicans on Monday moved to dismantle the Biden administration’s migrant parole program, which allows certain migrants to enter the United States temporarily for humanitarian or public interest reasons.
The program has been used to admit hundreds of thousands of migrants from countries facing political instability, including Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti. The administration says parole reduces illegal border crossings by providing a legal pathway.
Republicans strongly disagreed, saying the program is being abused to bypass Congress and effectively create open-border policies. House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green called it “executive amnesty by another name.”
The new bill would block funding for parole programs and require congressional approval for large-scale migrant admissions.
Why It Matters
Republicans Push Back on Executive Overreach
GOP lawmakers argue immigration law is being rewritten by executive order.
Republicans say parole programs:
- Encourage illegal migration
- Overwhelm border resources
- Burden cities with migrant housing
- Bypass congressional authority
Several border state governors expressed support, saying their communities are struggling with overcrowded shelters and strained budgets.
Conservatives argue the Constitution gives Congress—not the president—power over immigration law.
Democrats Defend Humanitarian Authority
Democrats argue parole authority has been used by both parties for decades.
They say the policy:
- Reduces dangerous border crossings
- Helps refugees fleeing violence
- Supports U.S. foreign policy goals
- Allows background screening
The White House said ending parole would increase chaos at the border.
Republicans counter that legal immigration must follow the law—not presidential discretion.
Broader Implications
The fight over parole programs will be central to 2026 campaign messaging.
Republicans plan to highlight border security failures in Democrat-run cities.
If the bill advances, it could redefine executive authority over immigration.
For conservatives, the message is direct:
America controls who enters America.