Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a bill on Wednesday to codify former President Donald Trump‘s travel ban on 39 nations. The legislation, titled the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act,” aims to make the restrictions permanent law.
Trump’s original 2017 executive orders faced immediate legal challenges. The Supreme Court upheld a version of the ban in 2018. Subsequent administrations modified the list of restricted countries. Mace’s bill seeks to eliminate that executive discretion.
“My bill slams the door on immigration from third world countries,” Mace said in a statement. The South Carolina Republican cited national security concerns. She argued temporary executive orders lack permanence.
The proposed legislation targets 39 countries. The list includes nations from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Mace’s office cited economic and cultural factors. Critics label the terminology outdated and racist.
Civil rights groups condemned the bill. The American Civil Liberties Union called it “xenophobic and discriminatory.” Foreign policy experts warned it could damage diplomatic relations. Supporters argue it addresses security gaps.
The timeline of Trump’s immigration legacy provides context. His 2017 order banned travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations. The administration framed subsequent versions around national security. The Supreme Court upheld the third version in 2018 by a 5-4 vote.
President Joe Biden reversed the ban in 2021. Mace’s bill would reinstate and expand it. The legislation prevents future presidents from reversing the ban with a pen stroke. This codification is the core legislative battle.
The bill faces uncertain odds in Congress. The House is narrowly divided. The Senate requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Mace’s bill has 12 co-sponsors, all Republicans.
Economic concerns drive some supporters. They argue immigration from “high-risk” countries strains public resources. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows visa overstays from these nations are low. The debate remains politically charged.
The “third world” label drew immediate backlash. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., called the term “colonialist and dehumanizing.” Mace defended her language, saying it accurately describes economic and governance conditions.
Legal experts predict challenges. The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling upheld a version of the ban. A broader, congressionally mandated ban could face different scrutiny. The bill’s specific criteria for “third world” classification may prove difficult to defend.
The 2026 midterms add pressure. Immigration remains a top voter concern. Polls show 58% of Republicans support stricter travel restrictions. Mace’s bill positions her as a hardline voice in the primary race.
What happens next is unclear. The House Judiciary Committee will hold hearings. Amendments are likely. The bill’s chances of passage increase if Republicans gain seats in November. The battle for America’s borders continues.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Rep. Nancy Mace’s new immigration bill?
- A: The ‘Third World Immigration Moratorium Act’ aims to permanently codify Trump’s travel ban on 39 nations from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, citing national security concerns.
- Q: Why did Trump’s travel ban face legal challenges?
- A: Trump’s 2017 executive orders were challenged as discriminatory, but the Supreme Court upheld a version in 2018 by a 5-4 vote, citing national security.
- Q: How does Mace’s bill differ from Trump’s ban?
- A: Mace’s bill seeks to eliminate executive discretion by making the restrictions permanent law, rather than relying on temporary executive orders that can be reversed.
- Q: Why do critics oppose the ‘Third World Immigration Moratorium Act’?
- A: Critics label the terminology outdated and racist, warning it could damage diplomatic relations and discriminate against entire regions.
- Q: What is the current status of Trump’s travel ban?
- A: President Biden reversed the ban in 2021, but Mace’s bill would reinstate and expand it, reigniting the battle over U.S. immigration policy.
Extended Reading
The full text of the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act” is available on Rep. Mace’s official website. The 39-country list includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria. Trump’s original ban also included Iraq, Sudan, and Libya.