Rep. Gill Files Bill to Ban Somali Immigration to the US for 25 Years

Congressman cites welfare fraud, high crime rates, and Sharia law concerns as reasons for proposed legislation

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Congressman Brandon Gill has announced that he has filed legislation to impose a 25-year moratorium on Somali immigration to the United States. Gill cited issues such as welfare fraud, high crime rates, Somali immigrants promoting Sharia law, and sprawling mosque developments as reasons for the proposed bill.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation reflects growing anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of the U.S., particularly towards Muslim and Somali immigrants. It highlights the ongoing political debates around immigration policy and the perceived impacts of immigration on local communities.

The details

Gill's bill would not impact those already in the U.S. legally, including green card holders and diplomatic visa recipients, but would block future Somali migrants. Gill has also sponsored legislation to denaturalize legal immigrants who have engaged in fraud.

  • Congressman Brandon Gill filed the legislation on February 4, 2026.

The players

Congressman Brandon Gill

A U.S. Representative who has filed legislation to impose a 25-year moratorium on Somali immigration to the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Mass Somali immigration makes life worse for Americans. That's why I filed a bill today to stop it.”

— Congressman Brandon Gill (X)

“We have a huge problem in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area, with mass Islamic migration.”

— Congressman Brandon Gill (The Dallas Express)

“This is a simple recognition that mass immigration from Somalia doesn't make the United States better off. Somali immigrants use welfare at rates that are significantly higher than Americans. They have crime rates that are significantly higher than Americans. That doesn't do anything to make life better for us.”

— Congressman Brandon Gill (The Dallas Express)

“Most Americans and most Texans don't want to be woken up at 6 a.m. hearing a Muslim call to prayer. I certainly don't. They don't want Sharia law in their communities, in their state, in this country, in any way whatsoever.”

— Congressman Brandon Gill (The Dallas Express)

What’s next

The proposed legislation will now go through the legislative process, where it will be debated and voted on by Congress.

The takeaway

This bill reflects growing anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of the U.S., particularly towards Muslim and Somali immigrants. It highlights the ongoing political debates around immigration policy and the perceived impacts of immigration on local communities.