Yavapai News

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) recently introduced the Nuclear Family Priority Act, aimed at strengthening the U.S. immigration system by restricting chain migration to only those within a visa holder's nuclear family. Crane emphasized the need to address the issues caused by the current family-sponsored visa system, which has led to overwhelming numbers of foreign nationals entering the country and incentivizing illegal immigration.

In a statement, Rep. Crane stated, "Unrestricted chain migration has allowed for the inexcusable exploitation and abuse of our immigration system. I’m proud to introduce this bill that will help restore the rule of law, prevent our nation from being overburdened, and bolster our national security." He also expressed gratitude to former Rep. Jody Hice for introducing the bill in the previous Congress and to the cosponsors who have joined him in introducing it in the current Congress.

The Nuclear Family Priority Act aims to address the issues by eliminating extended, non-nuclear family visa categories and limiting family-sponsored visa eligibility to nuclear family members only. Additionally, the bill reduces the baseline annual cap for family-sponsored visas issued, while still allowing for exceptions in special circumstances for immigrants to care for aging parents.

Original cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bill Posey (R-FL), Mary Miller (R-IL), and Andy Ogles (R-TN). The legislation builds upon efforts to reform and enforce existing immigration laws, secure borders, and combat cartels, amidst a surge in illegal immigration and criminal activity at the border.