US Lawmaker Calls for Temporary Halt to Immigration as Deportations Rise

A Republican member of Congress from Florida says she will introduce legislation to temporarily halt immigration into the United States when Congress reconvenes.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced on social media that she plans to pursue an “immigration moratorium,” arguing that the current system is severely flawed and open to exploitation. She did not specify how long the proposed halt would last or which categories of immigration it would cover.

A moratorium of this kind would generally involve suspending the issuance of visas, green cards and other legal entry routes while the federal government reviews immigration policy. Supporters say a pause would allow lawmakers to address enforcement gaps and systemic weaknesses. Opponents argue it would disrupt families, employers and sectors that depend on legal immigration.

Luna’s proposal follows similar efforts by other Republicans. In November, Texas Representative Chip Roy introduced the PAUSE Act, which called for freezing most immigration, allowing only short-term tourist visas. Roy said the pressure on the system extends beyond unlawful border crossings and includes legal immigration pathways. His bill proposed an open-ended suspension until Congress passes comprehensive reforms.

Calls for broader restrictions have also come from outside Congress. Steve Bannon, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, has advocated a ten-year halt to all immigration programmes. Speaking on his War Room podcast, Bannon described asylum, refugee and visa systems as corrupt and said only a complete pause would restore control. He has criticised the H-1B visa programme and argued that international students should leave the country immediately after graduation.

The debate is taking place amid shifting immigration figures. Data from the Pew Research Center show the number of undocumented immigrants reached 14 million in 2023. Total immigrant numbers peaked at 53.3 million in January 2025 before falling to 51.9 million by mid-year, as deportations and voluntary departures exceeded new arrivals.

Immigration policy has tightened during President Trump’s second term. Federal agencies have increased arrests and removals, targeting both undocumented migrants and those who overstayed visas. Legal entry routes have narrowed through stricter visa rules, revised asylum standards and the suspension of several programmes.

Earlier this month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the suspension of the diversity visa lottery after a mass shooting at Brown University. Authorities said the suspect had entered the United States through the programme.