House GOP Immigration Crackdown Collapses

Republican infighting and Democratic opposition sink sweeping anti-immigrant bills—for now.

WASHINGTON — Congress erupted in a mix of anger and elation Tuesday as lawmakers abruptly ended the session after a sweeping resolution packed with anti-immigration measures failed to pass.

The House vote, split along party lines with internal Republican dissent, prompted applause and a swift exit as members headed home early. The resolution, which bundled several controversial immigration-related bills, collapsed when nine Republicans joined a unified Democratic bloc to reject it, 206-222.

Among the defeated measures were Rep. Darrell Issa’s (R-Calif.) No Rogue Rulings Act, which sought to limit federal district courts’ ability to issue broad injunctions, and Rep. Chip Roy’s (R-Texas) Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would have mandated proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. Both bills aimed to restrict immigrant rights—either by limiting access to the courts on asylum and related cases or tightening voting eligibility requirements, even for those with proper documentation.