No Tax Dollars for the United Nation’s Immigration Invasion Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]
- Committees
- Foreign Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 3, 2025
Bottom line
This bill seeks to immediately halt U.S. financial support to three major UN agencies involved in migration and refugee assistance, while also initiating an audit of past funding and related programs.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Federal Government from making any financial contributions to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Additionally, it mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and audit on past federal funding to these organizations and the Department of State's Refugee Travel Loan Program, with a report due to Congress within 180 days.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill ensures U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used to fund organizations that they believe contribute to or exacerbate immigration issues, or whose operations are not aligned with U.S. interests, particularly concerning border security and accountability for international aid. They emphasize the need for fiscal responsibility and rigorous oversight of international organizations to protect national sovereignty.
Opponents contend
Opponents would contend that prohibiting contributions to these critical UN agencies would severely undermine international humanitarian efforts, harm vulnerable refugee populations, and diminish U.S. influence in global migration governance. They argue that these organizations provide essential services and that withdrawing funding would create humanitarian crises and shift burdens to other nations, ultimately damaging U.S. foreign policy interests.
The bill is very short and clear, making it easy for any reader to understand its direct provisions and immediate implications.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the 'No Tax Dollars for the United Nation's Immigration Invasion Act,' providing a concise and politically charged name for the legislation that reflects the sponsors' concerns regarding international migration.
Supporters argue
Supporters would argue that the short title accurately reflects the bill's intent to stop funding organizations perceived as facilitating uncontrolled immigration, aligning with their concerns about national sovereignty and border security.
Critics contend
Opponents would criticize the short title as inflammatory and misleading, arguing it mischaracterizes the humanitarian work of the targeted organizations and uses alarmist language to garner political support.
Tradeoffs
The title serves as a strong political statement, which can mobilize support but also alienate those who view the issue differently, potentially hindering broader legislative cooperation.
Section 2
Prohibition on Contributions to IOM, UNHCR, and UNRWA
This section enacts a complete prohibition, preventing the Federal Government from making any financial contributions to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This prohibition applies notwithstanding any other provision of law, ensuring an immediate and comprehensive halt to U.S. funding.
Section 3
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Study, Audit, and Report
This section mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and an audit. The study must identify all federal assistance programs funding IOM, UNHCR, and UNRWA from fiscal years 2021-2025, including nongovernmental organizations receiving funds, any restrictions on such funding, and assess amounts these agencies should repay to the U.S. The audit specifically targets the Department of State's Refugee Travel Loan Program. A report summarizing these findings is due to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.