Summary of the Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act (H.R. 7359)

Overview

The Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that seeks to prohibit immigration relief for certain citizens or nationals of Somalia for a period of 25 years following the bill's enactment.

Key Provisions

• Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit the issuance of visas or granting of immigration status to Somali citizens or nationals, with limited exceptions, for 25 years after the bill's enactment.
• The exceptions include:
  • Aliens lawfully admitted to the U.S. prior to the bill's enactment
  • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Certain diplomats and other officials traveling on non-immigrant visas
• Designates Somali citizens and nationals as ineligible for asylum, withholding of removal, or other forms of immigration relief.
• Contains a severability clause to preserve the remainder of the Act if any provision is found unconstitutional.

Purpose and Intent

The bill's stated purpose is to establish a moratorium on immigration from Somalia in order to "guarantee the survival and safety of the United States as an independent, sovereign republic" and prioritize the "wellbeing and interests" of U.S. citizens.

Potential Impact

If enacted, this legislation would significantly restrict immigration from Somalia to the United States for 25 years, with limited exceptions. This would affect Somali citizens and nationals seeking to immigrate or obtain refugee/asylum status in the U.S. during that time period.

The bill's broad language and lack of defined national security or public safety rationale raise concerns about potential discrimination and violation of constitutional protections related to immigration.