Members of Congress are introducing legislation to restrict nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) suspected of weakening U.S. immigration laws. These bills coincide with ongoing scrutiny of NGO funding and the Trump administration's efforts to tighten financial controls.

Representative Lance Gooden (R-TX) is reintroducing the "Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act," while Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) is introducing the Fixing Exemptions for Networks Choosing to Enable Illegal Migration (FENCE) Act.

Senator Hagerty's bill aims to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations that provide aid to individuals known to be in the U.S. illegally. His office stated that maintaining tax-exempt status is contingent upon ceasing such activities.

Representative Gooden's legislation would block federal contracts and grants to NGOs unless they certify to the Office of Management and Budget that they are not involved in human trafficking or smuggling. It would also remove tax-exempt status from organizations knowingly violating federal law and mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) create a strategy and best practices guide for non-profits to ensure legal compliance. Furthermore, it requires a verification process to prevent benefits from reaching undocumented immigrants. Gooden criticized NGOs for allegedly using taxpayer money to facilitate illegal immigration under the guise of humanitarian aid.

These legislative efforts arise from long-standing concerns about the role of NGOs in the 2021-2024 border crisis, during which millions of dollars were allocated to NGOs assisting migrants. This funding is distributed through contracts and grants from DHS, Health and Human Services, and the State Department.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced a halt to funding for nonprofits accused of facilitating illegal immigration as part of a broader administration push to strengthen border security and combat illegal immigration. Secretary Noem criticized NGOs for allegedly establishing operations in Mexico to guide undocumented immigrants across the border. She affirmed that the department would cease funding such organizations until an evaluation is complete.

President Trump recently signed an executive order to review all federal funding directed towards NGOs. The proposed legislation would solidify these limitations beyond the current administration. Simultaneously, the administration has frozen USAID funding pending review over concerns about its usage.