1. What exactly is Chip Roy proposing?

Rep. Chip Roy plans to introduce the “PAUSE Act,” which would halt all immigration to the United States. He said the freeze would remain in place until Congress meets a list of objectives he outlined. Those include ending the H-1B visa system, reforming chain migration, and addressing birthright citizenship. Roy argues that the current system harms American workers and national security. The proposal represents one of the most sweeping immigration measures introduced in recent years.

2. Why is Roy targeting the H-1B visa program?

Roy says companies misuse H-1B visas to replace American workers with lower-wage foreign labor. He frames the program as unfair to citizens seeking specialized jobs. Critics of H-1B share concerns about corporate abuse, while supporters say it brings top global talent and fills skill shortages. The issue has become a flash point in workforce and immigration debates. Roy’s bill would end the program entirely as part of his broader freeze.

3. How does “Sharia law” factor into his proposal?

Roy cited a previous bill he introduced requiring vetting immigrants for adherence to “Sharia law.” He argued that admitting anyone who supports Sharia contradicts U.S. constitutional values. His new PAUSE Act would revisit these concerns as part of its criteria. The framing reflects his view that certain ideological beliefs pose national risks. It also signals that the bill blends immigration policy with cultural and security considerations.

4. What are the economic arguments for the freeze? 

Roy links the immigration freeze directly to "affordability" for American citizens. He argues that the current system burdens taxpayers through welfare, emergency healthcare, and education costs for non-citizens. The bill aims to stop "importing" people who might live off public funds, prioritizing the economic stability of current citizens first. 

5. How long would this immigration freeze last?

 There is no fixed timeline; the freeze is conditional on achieving a list of difficult reforms. These include ending birthright citizenship, dismantling the H-1B system, and reforming "chain migration" (family reunification). Roy intends the bill to serve as a framework that keeps the border closed "until we figure this crap out."