The bill, titled the Blocking Assistance and Resources to Restrict Illegal Entry and Residency Act, would cut off “federal financial assistance for entities that aid or facilitate illegal immigration.” It is co-sponsored by Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Mary Miller (R-IL), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Randy Weber (R-TX), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Andy Ogles (R-TN), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ).

“NGOs and nonprofits serve as the foot soldiers for the Biden-Harris administration’s mass-migration policies by helping illegal aliens cross the border and stay here for years after illegally,” Gaetz said in a statement. “My legislation, the BARRIER Act, will strip these organizations of their federal funding, which can be used to assist those who break federal law. The federal government should not be financing the destruction of its own country.”

The law would ban “providing, promoting, or advertising transportation, shelter, financial support, or legal assistance” to illegal immigrants.

A vast network of NGOs helps facilitate large numbers of immigrants moving to the country in violation of U.S. immigration laws. The Heritage Foundation has conducted several investigations into the groups over the past few years. Lora Ries of the Heritage Foundation accused them, partner organizations assisting migrants on their way through Central America, and certain corporations of facilitating an “illegal immigration industrial complex.”

Some of the biggest organizations that are part of the network include Catholic Charities USA, Jewish Family Services, Global Refuge, and United Way Worldwide.

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In December 2022, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) called for an investigation into NGOs facilitating illegal immigration.

“There have been recent reports that nongovernmental organizations may have assisted with illegal border crossings near El Paso,” he wrote in a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. “We further understand NGOs may be engaged in unlawfully orchestrating other border crossings through activities on both sides of the border, including in sectors other than El Paso. In light of these reports, I am calling on the Texas Attorney General’s Office to initiate an investigation into the role of NGOs in planning and facilitating the illegal transportation of illegal immigrants across our borders. In addition, I stand ready to work with you to craft any sensible legislative solutions your office may propose that are aimed at solving the ongoing border crisis and the role that NGOs may play in encouraging it.”