Yavapai News

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) recently introduced the Nuclear Family Priority Act, a legislative measure aimed at reforming the U.S. immigration system by restricting chain migration to immediate family members of visa holders. The bill seeks to address concerns that the current family-sponsored visa system has led to extensive chains of foreign nationals overwhelming the immigration infrastructure and incentivizing illegal immigration.

According to Rep. Crane, "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."

The proposed legislation also includes provisions for exceptions in special circumstances, allowing immigrants to care for aging parents.

The Nuclear Family Priority Act was initially introduced in the previous Congress by former Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA). Since President Joe Biden took office, over 8 million criminal aliens have reportedly crossed into the United States, including more than 300 individuals on terror watchlists. Additionally, more than 1.8 million people have allegedly evaded Border Patrol while over 325,000 migrants have been flown into the country by government actions.

Rep. Crane criticized the Biden Administration's approach to immigration policy: “Instead of advancing policies that reform and enforce existing immigration laws, secure our borders, and combat cartels, the Biden Administration has intentionally done the opposite to fuel the border and immigration crisis.”

Original cosponsors of Crane’s 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).