GOP Lawmaker Vows to 'Close' Controversial Biden-Era 'Side Door' on Key Issue

Lawmakers are intensifying their efforts to reshape U.S. immigration policy with the introduction of the "Preventing the Abuse of Immigration Parole Act," a measure that would dramatically restrict the government's authority to grant immigration parole. If enacted, the legislation would set an annual cap of 3,000 parole admissions beginning in fiscal year 2029, a stark contrast to recent years where millions have been allowed entry under parole authorities.

The bill specifically targets what critics allege is the overuse and misuse of the parole system by current and prior administrations, particularly for migrants from countries deemed to pose heightened security risks. It calls for parole to be granted strictly on a "case-by-case" basis, and explicitly bars individuals from so-called “countries of concern,” including Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and Russia, unless the Department of State provides special permission. The proposal would also formalize congressional findings to reinforce that parole should only be used under exceptional circumstances.

Republican lawmakers backing the bill have voiced sharp criticism of previous immigration policies, accusing officials of prioritizing political agendas over national security. Rep. Addison McDowell of North Carolina, who introduced the bill, blamed the current administration for lax vetting and policies he describes as deliberately placing American families at risk. He emphasized that his proposed legislation seeks to close what he called a "side door" in the U.S. immigration system, insisting that tighter controls are necessary to protect the nation's borders.

The push for parole restrictions was spurred by findings from a congressional oversight committee, which reported that approximately 2.8 million individuals were granted parole during President Joe Biden’s time in office under former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This figure includes hundreds of thousands admitted under programs tailored to nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—initiatives now facing legal and political challenges.

Further fueling the debate is a recent Supreme Court stay, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to continue deportations as litigation continues over the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) parole program. Administration critics argue that these programs have been inadequately vetted, resulting in increased stress on local communities, pressure on job markets for American workers, and, according to some officials, increased risk of criminal activity.

“Today’s decision is a victory for the American people,” stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin following the Supreme Court’s ruling. McLaughlin accused the Biden administration of misleading the public and enabling poorly vetted migrants to compete against U.S. workers, further intensifying the partisan rhetoric surrounding immigration reform ahead of upcoming elections.

The legislative proposal arrives amid growing calls within Congress to clamp down on immigration parole and broader border management practices. As the House recently passed a reconciliation bill securing additional funding for immigration enforcement, attention now turns to the Senate. The outcome could pivotally shape the future of American immigration policy, potentially setting new limits on how humanitarian exceptions at the border are managed moving forward.