Washington D.C. – A group of Republican senators led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and including Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) have introduced legislation aimed at restricting the use of immigration parole authority by the executive branch.
The Immigration Parole Reform Act seeks to narrow the scope of presidential authority to grant temporary admission to migrants, following what the bill’s supporters characterize as misuse of this power during previous administrations.
“Under the Trump Administration, the era of open borders is over,” said Senator Britt in a statement supporting the legislation. “The difference our nation has witnessed over a few short months is not just seen in the dramatic decrease in border crossings, but truly felt by families across our communities.”
According to the bill’s sponsors, the legislation would require parole to be granted on a case-by-case basis rather than to entire groups of migrants. It would establish specific definitions for what constitutes an “urgent humanitarian reason” or “significant public benefit” – the legal standards for granting parole under current law.
The bill would also prevent those granted parole from using that status to adjust to permanent residency or obtain other immigration benefits, and would place time limits on parole periods.
Chairman Grassley stated that “The Obama and Biden administrations badly abused immigration parole, which was intended to be a temporary and highly discretionary means to enter our country.”
Immigration parole authority was established by Congress in 1952 as a mechanism for the executive branch to temporarily admit individuals into the United States in limited circumstances. Critics of recent administrations claim this authority was expanded beyond its original intent.
The Trump Administration issued a directive on January 21, 2025, that supporters say restored the use of immigration parole to align with congressional intent.
This marks the second attempt to pass this legislation after Senate Democrats blocked a similar version introduced in 2023. The bill is co-sponsored by several Republican senators including Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
