A Republican lawmaker in the United States has ignited a major controversy by demanding a complete overhaul of the country's immigration system. Representative Andy Ogles from Tennessee has called for an end to all US visa programmes, including the popular H-1B, and the repeal of the landmark 1965 Hart-Celler Act.
Call to Return to a National Quota System
During an interview with MAGA commentator Benny Johnson, Ogles revealed that lawmakers are working on legislation to dismantle the current framework. He argued for a return to a strict national quota system for immigration, which existed before the 1965 law. Ogles claimed the current system, established by the Hart-Celler Act, has led to unsustainable mass immigration.
"We are working diligently to try and get legislation passed to end H-1B visas, and quite frankly, stop all visas and redo the visa program," Ogles stated. He emphasised his belief that immigration should be based on economic needs and must prioritise American workers first.
What is the 1965 Hart-Celler Act?
The Hart-Celler Act was a pivotal piece of legislation that fundamentally changed American immigration. It abolished the previous nationality-based quotas that heavily favoured immigrants from European nations. In their place, it instituted a new system focused on family reunification, individual skills, and refugee admissions.
Census data confirms that this law dramatically reshaped US demographic patterns over the last six decades. The share of European immigrants has declined, while immigration from Asia, Africa, and Latin America has seen a significant increase. Ogles criticised this shift, stating the law "opened up the floodgates" for approximately 60 million people to enter the country, with 90% coming from what he termed "third-world countries."
Criticism of Current Immigration and Refugee Policy
Ogles extended his criticism to recent refugee resettlement efforts, specifically targeting Afghan refugees brought to the US under President Joe Biden's administration. He claimed many are unemployed and dependent on public assistance, calling for an immediate halt: "Stop. No more."
When directly asked if Congress should scrap the 1965 Hart-Celler Act, Ogles was unequivocal: "Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. We need to go back to a quota system." He argued that immigrants from the post-1965 system bring nothing but a drain on national resources, a claim that is hotly debated by economists and immigration experts.
His comments have stirred a significant political row, highlighting the deep divisions within the United States over immigration policy, a topic of keen interest to many in India connected to the vast diaspora and the tech professionals on H-1B visas.
