GOP Passes New Bill To Stop Illegals
Republican senators are launching a major push to protect American workers and stop employers from hiring illegal aliens—a problem many conservatives say has fueled lower wages, weak job security, and dangerous border policies.
Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have introduced the Putting American Workers First Act, a new bill that would make it an unfair labor practice for employers—or even labor unions—to hire or recruit individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States.
The proposal represents one of the strongest federal efforts in years to stop corporations and unions from exploiting illegal labor while American citizens struggle to compete.
Bill Would Give the NLRB New Power to Investigate Illegal Hiring
Under the Banks–Cassidy plan, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would be authorized to launch investigations into employers and labor unions that knowingly hire illegal aliens.
This fills a major enforcement gap. Right now, most investigations fall solely on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Supporters say giving the NLRB authority creates another layer of accountability—one that businesses and unions will not be able to ignore.
The bill adds clear language stating that it is illegal:
“To employ, recruit, or hire any individual who is an unauthorized alien.”
The measure also shields employers from unfair accusations by declaring that:
Firing an illegal alien cannot be used as evidence of discrimination.
This closes a loophole that left many employers vulnerable to frivolous legal challenges.
Banks: Illegal Hiring Hurts American Workers
Sen. Banks says the legislation is designed to put American workers first—not corporations looking for cheap labor.
“Hiring illegal aliens drives down American wages and pushes our workers out of good jobs,” Banks said. “If employers won’t follow the law, we’ll use every tool we have to make sure they face consequences.”
Supporters say the message is simple: American jobs must go to American citizens first.
Business Protections: Good-Faith E-Verify Use
To protect businesses acting in good faith, the bill provides legal cover for employers who use E-Verify or a similar federal system to check work eligibility.
If an employer genuinely attempts to verify an applicant’s status, they will not be punished—even if the applicant later turns out to be an illegal alien.
This helps honest businesses while removing excuses from those who deliberately sidestep the law.
Unions Also Held Accountable
The bill takes direct aim at labor unions that have openly welcomed illegal migrants into their ranks. Some have even marketed themselves as “sanctuary unions,” pledging not to assist federal immigration enforcement.
Under the new legislation, unions cannot represent an illegal alien in collective bargaining unless they also made a good-faith effort to confirm legal status.
This prevents unions from boosting membership numbers by enrolling individuals who are not allowed to work in the first place.
Illegal Aliens in the Workforce: Nearly 10 Million
In 2023, an estimated 14+ million illegal aliens were living in the United States. About 9.7 million are part of the workforce—roughly 5.6% of all U.S. workers.
Conservatives argue this massive shadow labor pool depresses wages and increases competition for blue-collar and middle-class Americans, especially during economic uncertainty.
Trump Warns of Immigration Crisis After Attack Near the White House
President Donald Trump spent Thanksgiving issuing new warnings about America’s growing immigration crisis. In a pair of Truth Social posts, he highlighted the overwhelming number of foreign nationals living in the U.S. and criticized Biden-era policies for leaving the nation vulnerable.
Trump wrote that the “United States foreign population stands at 53 million”, adding that many arriving under the previous administration’s policies come:
“From failed nations, or from prisons, mental institutions, gangs, or drug cartels.”
His comments came just after a horrifying attack in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan immigrant assaulted National Guard soldiers on duty near the White House. One soldier tragically died, and another remains in critical condition.
Trump called the attack yet another reminder of why America needs tougher immigration controls and immediate enforcement action.
A Renewed Focus on Border Security and American Jobs
With rising crime, a broken border, and American workers struggling under inflation, conservatives say this new Republican bill—combined with Trump’s renewed pressure—marks a turning point.
The message heading into 2025: Secure the border. Protect U.S. jobs. Hold employers and unions accountable. Put American workers first.
