Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 4, 2026
Bottom line
The bill imposes a broad, 25-year ban on most forms of immigration and humanitarian relief for all citizens and nationals of Somalia, significantly altering U.S. immigration policy towards this country.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a 25-year moratorium on the issuance of visas and the provision of any immigration status to citizens or nationals of Somalia, with very limited exceptions. It also explicitly makes Somali citizens and nationals ineligible for withholding of removal, a form of humanitarian protection against deportation.
Proponents argue
Supporters would argue that the bill is a necessary exercise of national sovereignty to control borders and protect the safety and interests of U.S. citizens, aligning with the stated findings that the U.S. Government reserves the right to admit or deny entry to any foreign person.
Opponents contend
Opponents would contend that this legislation is discriminatory, targets an entire nationality without individual assessment, and could violate international humanitarian norms by denying asylum and family reunification, potentially leading to severe human rights consequences.
The bill is exceptionally short and straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its core provisions and their significant policy implications.
Section 3(a)
25-Year Moratorium on Visas and Immigration Status for Somali Nationals
This provision amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the issuance of any visa or the granting of any immigration status to citizens or nationals of Somalia for a period of 25 years following the bill's enactment. It includes narrow exceptions for individuals already lawfully admitted, lawful permanent residents, and those holding specific nonimmigrant visas (A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4), with these exceptions requiring joint approval from the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this measure is a necessary exercise of national sovereignty to control borders and protect national security interests, as stated in the bill's findings. They might assert that it allows for a period of reassessment of immigration policies concerning Somalia, citing concerns over stability or security in the region.
Critics contend
Opponents would contend that this provision is discriminatory, targets an entire nationality without individual assessment, and could lead to significant humanitarian issues, including family separation and the denial of refuge to vulnerable populations who may be fleeing persecution.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances national security concerns and the sovereign right to control borders against principles of non-discrimination, family reunification, and potential international humanitarian obligations.
Section 3(b)
Ineligibility for Withholding of Removal for Somali Nationals
This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly declare that any alien who is a citizen or national of Somalia is ineligible for withholding of removal under Section 241(b)(3) of the Act. Withholding of removal is a form of protection granted to individuals who demonstrate a clear probability of persecution or torture if returned to their home country, based on international non-refoulement principles.