Representative Brandon Gil has called for a sweeping pause on immigration from Somalia, arguing that mass migration from the country has contributed to welfare dependency, fraud, and corruption in the United States. Speaking with Scott Jennings, Gil emphasized that the U.S. immigration system exists to benefit American citizens and that current policies have strayed from that core purpose. His comments come amid growing scrutiny over recent fraud scandals in Minneapolis linked to Somali immigrants and broader debates over the scope and enforcement of immigration policy.
Gil, who recently introduced the Somalia Immigration Moratorium Act, explained that the legislation would impose a 25-year halt on immigration from Somalia. He said the moratorium is necessary to prevent further strain on American taxpayers and to ensure that immigration serves the nation’s interests. “We cannot allow people to come in and for us to pay for their food, housing, and healthcare and everything else. We’ve got our own problems to deal with,” Gil said. He cited data indicating that more than 80 percent of Somali immigrants in Minnesota rely on welfare programs, even after a decade in the United States, calling this rate “astronomical.”
Mass migration from Somalia has fueled welfare dependency, fraud, and corruption. It must end. pic.twitter.com/ImkbIaCsQy
— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) February 17, 2026
Gil argued that the moratorium is consistent with the principles of past immigration law, referencing the public burden doctrine, which historically barred immigrants from entering the country if they were likely to rely on government support. He said the legislation is a “common-sense, pretty moderate solution” aimed at putting American citizens first, while allowing current immigrants the opportunity to assimilate. Several Republican lawmakers have already co-sponsored the bill, and Gil said he plans to continue pushing for its consideration in the House.
The conversation also touched on concerns about student visa programs. Gil highlighted what he described as “abuse” in the system, including cases where foreign students from hostile countries study in fields that could be used against U.S. national security interests. He suggested that the number of student visas should be drastically reduced and that educational opportunities should prioritize American students. “We’ve got our own people that we want to educate,” he said, adding that campuses increasingly promote ideologies that do not serve U.S. interests.
I introduced legislation to impose a 25-year immigration moratorium on Somalia.
— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) February 5, 2026
We’ve seen the Somali fraud. Americans come first. pic.twitter.com/VEphumRynX
Gil framed both proposals as part of a broader effort to realign U.S. immigration policy with the needs of American citizens. “Does this help our people? Does this make life better for Americans? Does this increase our national security and make America a stronger country?” he asked, concluding that current policies often fail these criteria.
His remarks underscore ongoing debates in Congress over how immigration policy intersects with public welfare, national security, and the country’s broader economic priorities.
