America First: The PAUSE Act Restores Order to Our Immigration System
Representative Chip Roy of Texas has introduced the PAUSE Act, a comprehensive plan to pause nearly all legal immigration until the nation can rebuild its immigration system with fairness, accountability, and a focus on American interests. This proposal is not rooted in fear or exclusion. It is grounded in common sense, fiscal responsibility, and a deep respect for the rule of law. The current system, left unchecked for decades, has grown increasingly disconnected from the needs of American workers, taxpayers, and communities. The PAUSE Act offers a measured pause to reset the foundation of how we welcome newcomers into our country.
The bill targets two long-standing policies that have contributed to system overload: the Diversity Visa Program and chain migration. The visa lottery, often criticized as arbitrary, has allowed thousands of individuals to enter the country each year without regard to skills, economic contribution, or national interest. Chain migration, while well-intentioned in theory, has led to rapid family growth that strains public services and reduces opportunities for native-born citizens seeking jobs and housing. By suspending these practices, the PAUSE Act aims to ensure that future immigration reflects merit, work ethic, and genuine integration—not just family ties or chance.
Birthright citizenship is another area of reform. The current interpretation of the 14th Amendment grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of the parents’ legal status. The PAUSE Act proposes limiting this right to children with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This change is not about denying rights to children. It is about reinforcing the idea that citizenship should be earned through legal status, service, and loyalty—not simply by the accident of birth. It aligns with the principle that a nation must protect its own before opening its doors wide.
The bill also prevents foreign nationals from accessing taxpayer-funded benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and public housing. This is not a denial of compassion—it is a commitment to fairness. American families are struggling with rising costs, inflation, and housing shortages. When public resources are used to support individuals who are not yet citizens or permanent residents, it places an unfair burden on those who have followed the rules. By requiring immigrants to contribute first—through work, taxes, and legal status—before accessing benefits, the PAUSE Act ensures that the system serves the public good.
Another key provision allows states and local governments to restrict public school access to American citizens and lawful permanent residents. This does not mean denying education to children in need. It means ensuring that public schools prioritize those who are legally part of the community and who will one day contribute to its future. Education is a cornerstone of national strength, and it should not be used as a backdoor entry point for undocumented individuals.
The PAUSE Act also bars entry to individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, those who advocate for Sharia Law, or members of designated terrorist organizations. These restrictions are not about targeting any religion or nationality. They are about protecting national security and preserving the constitutional order. When foreign ideologies or governments seek to influence or undermine American institutions, the nation has a duty to defend itself.
This legislation is not about building walls or closing doors. It is about restoring balance. It is about giving American citizens a fair chance in the workforce, ensuring public resources serve those who have earned them, and upholding the rule of law. The PAUSE Act is not radical. It is responsible. In a time of economic strain and cultural uncertainty, it offers a clear path forward—one that protects our people, our economy, and our future.
As Rep. Roy prepares to run for Texas Attorney General, his leadership on this issue shows a consistent commitment to defending the American people. The PAUSE Act is not about fear—it’s about foresight. It is a call to pause, reflect, and rebuild. And in doing so, it strengthens the very values that have made America great.
Published: 11/29/2025
