Lawmakers Propose New Restrictions on NGOs Assisting Undocumented Immigrants Amid Trump Administration Funding Review

FIRST ON FOX: In a significant development, lawmakers in both the House and Senate are advancing bills aimed at imposing stringent limits on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in activities that they believe undermine U.S. immigration law. This push comes as questions surrounding the funding of these organizations gain prominence during a funding review initiated by the Trump administration.

Representative Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas, is reintroducing the “Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act.” Meanwhile, Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, is putting forth the “Fixing Exemptions for Networks Choosing to Enable Illegal Migration (Fence) Act.” Both pieces of legislation signal a decisive move to restrain the influence of NGOs in immigration matters.

Senate Bill Seeks to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status

Hagerty’s proposal aims to eliminate tax-exempt status for organizations that provide support to undocumented immigrants. The bill mandates that any tax-exempt organization must not engage in providing aid, services, or benefits to individuals they know to be unlawfully present in the United States.

As stated by Hagerty’s office, “Tax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right. These organizations can maintain their tax-exempt status by simply ceasing these activities.” This highlights the administration’s firmer stance on organizations perceived to be facilitating illegal immigration.

House Bill Aims to Tighten NGO Oversight

Representative Gooden’s legislation proposes strict measures that would restrict federal contracts and grants to NGOs that cannot certify their non-involvement in human trafficking or smuggling activities to the Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, this bill would revoke tax-exempt status from organizations that are determined to knowingly violate federal laws.

There are also directives for the Department of Homeland Security to draft a comprehensive strategy and best practices guide for nonprofits, ensuring they remain compliant with laws regarding illegal immigration. The legislation also stipulates a verification process to confirm that undocumented individuals are not receiving benefits.

Addressing the Exploitation of Taxpayer Funds

Gooden expressed his concerns, stating, “For years, non-governmental organizations have exploited taxpayer dollars to facilitate illegal immigration under the guise of humanitarian aid. The exploitation of the American taxpayer will end under the Trump Administration. This bill ensures that not a single cent of hard-earned American tax dollars will fund organizations complicit in human trafficking and illegal border crossings.”

Continuing Challenges at the Southern Border

This legislative effort comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding the involvement of NGOs in managing the significant migration crisis at the southern border. During the 2021-2024 period, millions of dollars have been allocated to NGOs tasked with receiving and assisting migrants, which includes providing them shelter and logistics. These funds primarily originate from contracts and grants issued by the Department of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the State Department.

Gooden has long been an advocate for tougher regulations, introducing several legislative measures aimed at addressing these issues over the years.

DHS Takes Action Against Nonprofits

On Wednesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the department has ceased funding to certain nonprofits, asserting that their practices have contributed to illegal immigration. This action falls in line with a broader agenda to enhance border security and intensify the crackdown on unlawful migration.

Noem elaborated on the situation, stating, “Many of these NGOs have infrastructure and operations set up in Mexico. They are instructing illegal immigrants to come to them for assistance in crossing the border. This is not merely an issue within the United States; it encompasses operations conducted outside the U.S. aimed at facilitating lawbreaking.”

Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Review of Funding

While acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Noem declared that the department will refrain from spending additional funds that may aid in what they perceive as the degradation of American values and laws. She stated, “Until a thorough evaluation is completed, we are not allocating further resources to organizations that compromise our national integrity.”

The recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump calls for a comprehensive review of federal funding directed towards NGOs. These legislative measures aim to solidify limits on NGO involvement in immigration issues long after the current administration ends. Concurrently, USAID funding has also been frozen while an investigation is conducted into the utilization of its resources.

A Shifting Landscape for Immigration Policy

The proposals by Gooden and Hagerty may significantly alter the landscape of immigration policy in the United States. As these bills progress through the legislative process, they highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the role of NGOs in today’s controversial immigration discourse. The broader impacts of these changes could lead to a further evolution in the relationship between the government and non-profit organizations involved in humanitarian efforts.

As this story unfolds, observers will closely monitor the implications these actions have on the funding and operation of NGOs both within and outside the United States, especially in relation to the humanitarian aid these organizations provide.

Fox News’ Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.