Rep. Addison McDowell, a North Carolina Republican, has introduced the ‘Preventing the Abuse of Immigration Parole Act,’ which aims to significantly curtail the number of immigration parolees entering the United States. The legislation would limit annual parole admissions to 3,000 people starting in fiscal year 2029 and prohibit parole for individuals from countries deemed ‘concerns,’ such as Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, and Russia, unless special permission is granted by the Department of State.
The bill, inspired by a congressional finding that over 2.8 million individuals were given parole during the Biden administration, seeks to address concerns about national security vulnerabilities and systemic abuse of the immigration parole process. McDowell argued that Biden’s open-border policies exposed the United States to significant national security risks, with the administration’s failure to vet individuals leading to a ‘great national security vulnerability.’
The proposal comes as the House recently passed a reconciliation bill, which includes additional funding for immigration enforcement—making it a priority for the Senate. The House version now awaits Senate action before it could reach President Donald Trump’s desk. The legislation aligns with broader efforts to dismantle the Biden-era migration policies, including the recent Supreme Court stay that could lead to the end of the CHNV parole program. The Department of Homeland Security has already stated its intention to deport individuals under the CHNV program while legal challenges continue, signaling a potential shift in the immigration landscape.
While the bill is focused on legislative action, its implications extend beyond immigration policy. The move to limit parole admissions and restrict certain populations reflects a growing emphasis on border security and the potential long-term impact on economic and social integration within the United States. As the political debate over immigration reform intensifies, the proposed measures highlight the ongoing divide between different political factions on how to manage the immigration crisis.