The incoming Republican-controlled House has unveiled its priorities for 2025, emphasizing immigration reform and border security. According to the Washington Examiner, six of the 12 proposed bills directly address immigration laws, aligning with the focus of the Trump administration set to take office on January 20. These bills aim to ramp up deportations, tighten border enforcement, and reduce illegal immigration.
One provision requires the Department of Homeland Security to arrest any illegal immigrant charged with theft, expanding enforcement beyond those convicted. Another proposal bars individuals charged with or convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence from being released into the U.S. Sanctuary cities and states that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement would lose federal funding. Additionally, the assault of a law enforcement officer by an illegal immigrant would become grounds for deportation.
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), whose district includes 40% of the southern border, emphasized the urgency of these measures, blaming the Biden administration for the current border crisis. “The American people demand a 180-degree clean-up of the mess that President Biden created at the border,” Gonzales stated. “Congress is taking immediate action this new session to ramp up deportations, especially for criminal aliens, and improve border security overall.”
The broader legislative agenda includes bills targeting fentanyl-related substances under the Controlled Substances Act and banning temporary moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing. In addition, proof of U.S. citizenship would be required for voter registration under a revision to the National Voter Registration Act. The rules package also introduces changes to how the House operates, such as raising the threshold to oust a speaker and streamlining congressional investigations into the Biden administration.
Critics argue that the proposed rules bypass traditional legislative processes. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) criticized the provisions on social media, saying, “So much for openness & transparency.” Democrats have raised concerns about the lack of opportunity for amendments, highlighting the partisan nature of the process.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces the challenge of securing near-unanimous Republican support for the 36-page rules package. Once approved, the prioritized bills will move to the House floor for votes, potentially shaping the legislative landscape for 2025.
These proposals mark a clear shift in policy direction, reflecting GOP priorities on immigration, law enforcement, and economic regulation. With a divided Congress and intense public scrutiny, the legislative process will undoubtedly spark fierce debate in the months ahead.
