New US Bills Could Limit Immigration, End OPT and Change Citizenship Eligibility

US Representative Chip Roy of Texas has introduced two bills in Congress that propose major changes to immigration policy and voter registration requirements in the United States. 

The measures, known as the PAUSE Act and the SAVE America Act, would significantly tighten rules governing entry into the country and eligibility to vote in federal elections. The PAUSE Act proposes a broad suspension of most legal immigration to the United States. 

Under the bill, entry would largely be limited to short-term tourist visas, while several existing programmes that allow foreign nationals to study or work in the country would be curtailed. One of the bill’s key provisions would eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which currently allows international students to work in the US for a limited period after completing their studies. 

The legislation also proposes major changes to the H-1B visa programme by removing the option for visa holders to adjust their immigration status while already in the country. In addition, the PAUSE Act would restrict public school access by preventing states from enrolling students who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents. 

The proposal also seeks to limit birthright citizenship by allowing automatic citizenship only for children born to at least one parent who is a US citizen or permanent resident. Roy has described the bill as a measure intended to strengthen national security and reinforce US sovereignty. 

The SAVE America Act focuses on changes to voter registration rules. The legislation would amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 by requiring individuals to present documentary proof of US citizenship before registering to vote in federal elections.

Acceptable documents under the proposal would include a US passport, military identification, or a government-issued photo ID accompanied by a birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. The bill would also impose stricter requirements on mail-in voter registration by requiring applicants to present proof of citizenship in person.