Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined Rep. Dan Meuser in support of the Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling (SHIELD) Act. This legislation would make trespassing a deportable offense for illegal immigrants, as well as deem the migrant permanently inadmissible for entry into the United States.
This legislation has become necessary due to the recent surge in cases of illegal immigrants trespassing in American homes, particularly after a Venezuelan TikToker urged fellow migrants to exploit adverse possession laws in the United States.
“Everything this border crisis touches turns to ash. The SHIELD Act will help safeguard our streets from illegal immigrants who unlawfully stay on private property,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “We must put an end to the lawlessness that is sweeping communities across the country because of the border crisis. I look forward to working with Rep. Dan Meuser to get this legislation across the finish line.”
“The dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes is yet another example of how the disastrous situation at our southern border is impacting communities across the country,” said Congressman Dan Meuser. “This legislation will serve as a deterrent to illegal aliens contemplating violating the homes and properties of American citizens. It will force migrants to think twice before attempting to trespass on or unlawfully possess an American’s property. The SHIELD Act ensures illegal immigrants are held accountable for squatting via deportation and permanent inadmissibility into the United States. If Congress does not address this issue, illegals, who are entering the United States due to the Biden Administration’s disastrous border policies, will continue abusing adverse possession laws and squat in American homes, with many causing thousands of dollars in property damage and mental suffering for homeowners.”
Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), and Austin Scott (GA-08) also cosponsored Rep. Dan Meuser’s SHIELD Act.
Click here for bill text.