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2013: Voted against invoking cloture on legislation to expand chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Cruz against invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2013: Voted against legislation to increase chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Cruz voted against S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to end the Visa Lottery (Cruz) Sen. Cruz has cosponsored S. 2394, the American Jobs First Act of 2015. The bill would make a number of changes to the H-1B program, while also ending the Visa Lottery. The bill was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

2022: Voted against H.R. 2471 to block increases in H-2B and EB-5 visas Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 2471, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, introduced by Rep. Hakeem Jefferies (D-N.Y.). The legislation authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to double the number of H-2B low-skill, non-agricultural visas for FY2022. Further, the legislation reauthorizes the EB-5 investor visa program. The legislation was signed into law.

2020: Voted against H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that would weaken interior enforcement and increase foreign worker visas. The bill reduced funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by $431 million. Further, the bill authorized the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to increase the number of H-2B visas issued during the 2021 fiscal year.

2019: Voted against H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, to prevent H-2B increases Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that provides funding for the federal government for FY2020. H.R. 1865 included a provision that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to nearly double the available H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2020. Under the same provision, DHS added an additional 30,000 H-2Bs in FY 2019.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to increase worker protections for H-1Bs (Cruz) Sen. Cruz has cosponsored S. 2394, the American Jobs First Act of 2015. The bill would implement major reforms of the H-1B program including adding a minimum wage provision ($110,000), and increasing the fee for employers to $10,000. More than 90% of H-1Bs issued in 2013 were for positions that paid less than $110,000 per year. The bill was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would increase the number of H-2B low-skilled, non-agricultural guest worker visas issued in 2016 from 66,000 to 264,000. The legislation would exempt foreign workers who had received an H-2B visa in any of the past three years from the 2016 cap.

2015: Voted against H.R. 2146 to grant President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Sen. Cruz voted against final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 2146. (NOTE: in order to pass TPA the House of Representatives split the original bill Senate-passed bill H.R. 1314 into two bills, one dealing with Trade Adjustment Assistance and one dealing with the TransPacific Partnership. As a result, when the legislation came back to the Senate for a final vote, the Senate had to attach the TPA language to another House-originated bill, H.R. 2146 and vote to pass that legislation). This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 2146 passed the Senate by a vote of 60-38.

2015: Voted in favor of granting President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority in 2015 Sen. Cruz voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 1314. This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 1314 passed the Senate by a vote of 62-37.

2013: Voted against invoking cloture on legislation to drastically increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Cruz against invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2013: Voted against legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Cruz voted against S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2024: Voted for H.R. 2 to reduce asylum fraud
Sen. Cruz voted to attach H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to H.R. 7463.  H.R. 2 (introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL)) would significantly reduce asylum fraud by strengthening the credible fear standard to ensure that only those who are more than likely to be awarded asylum by an immigration judge are allowed to continue with the asylum process. Further, it would prohibit individuals who cross the border illegally from claiming asylum and prevent asylum seekers from receiving a work permit for one year after entry.

2023: Sponsored S. 685 to prevent future border surges
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 685, the Stopping Border Surges Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The legislation would close the UAC loophole to allow DHS to return Unaccompanied Alien Children from non-contiguous countries to be returned to their home countries, allow DHS to detain family units who are apprehended after crossing the border illegally, and strengthen the credible fear standard to make it more in line with the asylum standard.

2021: Sponsored S. 884 to end border surges and asylum fraud Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 884, the Stopping Border Surges Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The legislation would take significant steps to end border surges and asylum fraud, including: 1) close the loophole for UACs from noncontiguous countries, 2) close the Flores Settlement loophole that limits the time family units can be detained by Border Patrol, 3) strengthen the credible fear standard, 4) limit asylum to those arriving at a port of entry, 5) shifts the work permit eligibility for asylum seekers from 180 days to 1 year, and 6) makes asylum fraud a felony crime.

2019: Voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Cruz voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would fully fund the refugee resettlement program and include increases in funding to accommodate Pres. Obamas proposal to resettle an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States in 2016.

2013: Voted against invoking cloture on legislation to increase refugee and asylum fraud (Schumer) Sen. Cruz against invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2013: Voted against legislation to increase refugee fraud (Schumer) Sen. Cruz voted against S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2025: (Jan. 20) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to prevent a type of amnesty through abuse of parole.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.)

2025: (Jan. 17) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of cloture to allow the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to move to a final vote.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The 61-35 vote allowed the Senate to proceed to the final floor vote.)

2025: (Jan. 15) Sen. Cruz voted against the Coons amendment (S.Amdt.23) to the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to remove states' ability to sue the federal government for granting a type of mass amnesty through abuse of parole.
This amendment (by Chris Coons, D-DE) to the Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) would have stripped out the provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The amendment failed 46-49.)

2025 (Jan. 09): Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the first cloture on the Laken Riley Act (S. 5), to proceed to debate and amendments.
The Laken Riley Act (by Sen. Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by granting mass parole (a form of amnesty) instead of on a case by case basis. Sixty votes were necessary to overcome a filibuster. (The cloture vote passed 84-9, allowing the Senate to proceed with amending the legislation.)

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to prevent a type of amnesty through abuse of parole.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.)

2024: Voted for H.R. 2  to prevent amnesties for illegal border crossers
Sen. Cruz voted to attach H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to H.R. 7463.  H.R. 2 (introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL) would reduce amnesty by strictly limiting the situations under which an administration can grant parole to illegal aliens.

2023: Sponsored S. 685 to limit amnesties for UACs
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 685, the Stopping Border Surges Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The legislation would clarify status for the Special Immigrant Juvenile visa reducing the number of UACs who will receive an amnesty after crossing the border illegally.

2021: Sponsored S. 884 to block amnesty for illegal border crossers Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 884, the Stopping Border Surges Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The legislation would close a loophole that allows certain Unaccompanied Alien Minors who cross the border illegally to receive Special Immigration Juvenile status.

2019: Voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Cruz voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

2018: Voted against Sen. Grassleys amendment to the Senate DACA bill that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Cruz voted against an amendment offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Grassley amendment would: 1) grant amnesty to an estimated 1.8 million DACA-eligible illegal aliens, 2) end Chain Migration and the Visa Lottery, 3) repurpose the Chain and Lottery green cards for clearing out the backlog of 4 million, and 4) authorize spending for increased border security The amendment failed 39-to-60 (needed 60 votes to pass).

2018: Voted against the McCain-Coons amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Cruz voted against an amendment offered by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The McCain-Coons amendment would grant amnesty to an estimated 3.2 million young-adult illegal aliens. The amendment failed 52-to-47 (needed 60 votes to pass).

2018: Voted against the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Cruz voted against an amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have granted amnesty to an estimated 1.8 million young-adult illegal aliens and granted a defacto amnesty to another 850,000 illegal aliens by protecting them from deportations. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).

2015: Voted AGAINST McConnell substitute amendment to H.R. 240 to fund Executive Amnesties Sen. Cruz voted AGAINST the McConnell amendment to substitute the text of HR 240 with language that would provide full and unrestricted funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal Executive Amnesties. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. Voting against the McConnell substitute amendment was a clear sign that a Senator was willing protect struggling American workers who will have to compete for scarce jobs with millions of unlawful immigrants. It was also a vote against ceding Congress constitutional powers to a President who has shown absolute disdain for the rule of law and the separation of powers at the very core of our Constitution. Senators cannot expect the judicial branch to reclaim the legislative powers for which they are unwilling to fight. The McConnell Amendment passed by a vote of 66 to 33.

2015: Voted AGAINST Executive Amnesty by voting in favor of Sessions/Lee motion to allow possibility of de-funding Executive Amnesty in DHS Appropriations Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree on H.R. 240. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. As part of this deal, Majority Leader McConnell filled the amendment tree in order to provide full funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal amnesties and block all other amendments to H.R. 240. This was especially outrageous given that Leader McConnell promised to restore regular order and an open amendment process when he became Senate Leader in January 2015. In response, Senators Sessions (R-AL) and Lee (R-UT) filed a motion to table the amendment tree, thus allowing amendments to the bill and the possibility of restoring the de-funding language. Thus, a vote in favor of the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree was a vote against amnesty and lawlessness a vote for the open process. The Sessions/Lee motion to table failed by a vote of 34 to 65.

2015: Voted for SECOND Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the SECOND cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 53 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).

2015: Voted for THIRD Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the THIRD cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 52 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).

2015: Voted for FIRST Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to de-fund Executive Amnesty Sen. Cruz voted in favor of a cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 51-48.

2015: Voted for FOURTH Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the FOURTH cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 47-46 (60 votes required for passage).

2014: Voted to Block Obamas Mass Amnesty Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Point of Order raised by Sen. Ted Cruz as to the constitutionality of the executive amnesty issued by President Obama. Doing so during a vote on H.R. 83, the CROmnibus, acted as a vote to stop this unlawful amnesty, and a vote against Sen. Cruzs Point of Order was a vote in favor of the presidents amnesty.

2014: Voted in favor of motion to help end DACA (Sessions) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of an amendment to 2648, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2014. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had already offered the maximum number of amendments (in a practice called filling the tree) to the legislation with the express purpose of preventing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex) from offering his legislation to defund DACA. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) offered an amendment, # 3751, to remove all of Sen. Reids amendments so that Sen. Cruzs could be considered. This motion failed 43-52.

2014: Cosponsored legislation to defund DACA and prevent recipients finding jobs (Cruz) Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 2631, legislation that prohibits any federal agency or instrumentality from using federal funding or resources to: (1) consider or adjudicate any new or previously denied application of any alien requesting consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals, as authorized by Executive memorandum on August 15, 2012; or (2) authorize any alien to work in the United States who was not lawfully admitted into the United States and who is not in lawful status in the United States on the date of enactment of this Act. The bills sponsor is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.).

2013: Opposed amendment that promised border security after amnesty for 11 million illegal aliens (Schumer-Corker-Hoeven) Sen.Cruz voted against the Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment to S. 744, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty legislation. This amendment was a political ploy by pro-amnesty Senators to pass a bill (S. 744) that was otherwise headed for defeat. As such, a vote in favor of the amendment is graded here as a vote in favor of the full S. 744 amnesty. The Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment promised a so-called border surge after 11-18 million illegal aliens receive legal protected status, work permits, and de facto amnesty. In fact, however, the amendment would weaken current law (calling for entry-exit system at only airports and seaports as opposed to all ports of entry and calling for single layer border fencing as opposed to double-layer fencing) and weaken the already-loose enforcement provisions of S. 744 by setting up a rolling amnesty for future visa overstayers. The amendment was designed to give cover to Senators who could claim they supported strong border security amendments by voting for the amendment and then voting for final passage of the bill. The amendment passed 67-27 (24 June 2013).

2013: Voted against invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Cruz against invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2013: Voted against legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Cruz voted against S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Birthright Citizenship Act (S. 304) to limit birthright citizenship.
The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) would end abuse of America’s practice of birthright citizenship by limiting its use to citizens, legal permanent residents, and lawful aliens performing active service in the U.S. military.
 

2024: Sponsored S.5223 to end birthright citizenship
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 5223, the Birthright Citizenship Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). The legislation would end abuse of America’s practice of birthright citizenship by limiting its use to citizens, legal permanent residents, and lawful aliens performing active service in the U.S. military.

2024: Sponsored S. 4459 to eliminate Birthright Citizenship 

Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 4459, the Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act, introduced by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). This bill clarifies that "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in immigration law for the purposes of birthright citizenship does not include illegal aliens, those present in the U.S. for diplomatic purposes, or those "engaged in a hostile occupation of, or a hostile operation in," the U.S. Children of other nonimmigrants and temporary visitors would still receive citizenship at birth.

2023: Sponsored S. 332 to end tax credits for illegal aliens
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 332, the WALL Act, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The legislation would fix the child tax credit loophole by requiring a Social Security number to claim the credit, block anyone who doesn't have work authorization from receiving the earned income tax credit, require a Social Security number to apply for educational credits, increase the income tax filing fee for anyone with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), and require the IRS to validate Social Security numbers on returns.

2023: Sponsored S. 12 to block funds from allowing illegal aliens from voting in DC
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 12 introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The legislation would prohibit federal funds from being used to allow noncitizens to vote in D.C.

2023: Sponsored S.J.Res. 6 to disapprove of illegal-alien voting in DC
Sen. Cruz sponsored S.J.Res. 6 introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The resolution would disapprove of the D.C. Council's amendment to allow noncitizens to vote in elections.

2022: Sponsored S. 3146 by closing the child tax credit loophole for illegal aliens Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 3146, the WALL Act of 2021, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.). The legislation would appropriate funds for additional border barriers and offset it by closing the loophole that allows illegal aliens without a Social Security number to claim the child tax credit.

2021: Sponsored S. 25, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, to eliminate rewards for illegal aliens Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 25, introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The legislation would block certain federal funds to jurisdictions that provide drivers licenses to illegal aliens.

2021: Voted in favor of Amdt. 54 to S. Con. Res. 5 to block stimulus payments to illegal aliens Sen. Cruz voted in favor of Amendment #54, introduced by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have blocked stimulus payments from going to illegal aliens. The amendment was approved 58-42.

2020: Cosponsored S. 3286, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, to reduce rewards for illegal immigration Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 3286, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The legislation would block Byrne grants for states that issue drivers licenses to illegal aliens and/or block DHS from accessing DMV records.

2019: Cosponsored S. 53, the WALL Act of 2019, to reduce rewards for illegal aliens Sen. Cruz cosponsored, S. 53, the WALL Act of 2019, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.). This legislation would require a Social Security number for both applicants and their children in order to receive the Additional Child Tax Credit. It would also require SSNs to receive the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits. It would add a fee for receiving an ITIN and require all individuals wishing to receive public housing benefits to be run through E-Verify.

2015: Cosponsoring interior enforcement legislation Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 1640, the Michael Davis, Jr. in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act. Known as the SAFE Act in the previous Congress, this legislation would empower local law enforcement agents to enforce federal immigration laws. This legislation would also require DHS to create a national immigration violators database. This legislation would help reduce illegal immigration by empowering law enforcement officials and making it more difficult for illegal aliens to live and work in local communities.

2013: Voted against invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Cruz against invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

2013: Voted against legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Cruz voted against S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.

Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) to fund border security.

The Senate-amended FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides between $175 - 200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the Senate 51-48 and later passed the House 216-214).
 

Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) to fund border security.

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the Senate 52-48, setting up a conference with the House).

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (S. 512) to make evading CBP a criminal offense.

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (by Ted Cruz, R-TX) makes it a criminal offense to evade CBP or other authorities assisting CBP using a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the border. Those convicted, and who are unlawfully present, are permanently ineligible for legal status, including asylum. (The House version of the bill passed 264-155.)

2024: Voted for H.R. 2 to reduce strengthen border security
Sen. Cruz voted to attach H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to H.R. 7463.  H.R. 2 (introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL)) would require DHS to restart border wall construction that has been authorized for and paid for by Congress and strengthen the Secure Fence Act of 2006 by requiring physical barriers along 900 miles of border. The legislation also provides retention bonuses for Border Patrol agents and defunds efforts to resettle illegal border crossers across the country.

2023: Sponsored S. 332 to reduce border surges
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 332, the WALL Act, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The legislation would appropriate $25 billion for border fencing. Further, the legislation would increase civil penalties for illegal entry.

2023: Sponsored S. 1494 to help fund border barriers
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 1494, the BUILD IT Act, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The legislation would require the federal government to turn over unused border wall materials to the states that request using it to build or repair border barriers.

2023: Sponsored S. 381 to make financing illegal entry a crime
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 381, the No Coyote Cash Act, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). The legislation would make financing unlawful entry a misdemeanor crime with inadmissibility and deportability penalties.

2023: Sponsored S. 422 to require completion of the border wall
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 422, the Build the Wall Now Act, introduced by Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.). The legislation would require immediate resumption of border wall construction and make it easier for the federal government to acquire land for the construction of border infrastructure.

2022: Sponsored S. 4294 to use unused materials for border barrier construction Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 4294, the BUILT IT Act, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The legislation would require the federal government to turn over unused border barrier materials to the states that request it to build their own border barriers.

2022: Sponsored S. 4220 to strengthen the visa wavier program Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 4220, the Securing the Visa Waiver Program Act, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). The legislation would require countries that participate in the visa waiver program to share data on security, terrorism and crime. Countries that fail to comply will lose designation after 3 months.

2022: Sponsored S. 3146 by closing the child tax credit loophole for illegal aliens Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 3146, the WALL Act of 2021, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.). The legislation would appropriate funds for additional border barriers and offset it by closing the loophole that allows illegal aliens without a Social Security number to claim the child tax credit.

2021: Voted in favor of Amdt. 872 to S. Con. Res. 5 to fund border security and interior enforcement Sen. Cruz voted in favor of Amendment #872, introduced by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have provided funding for border security and interior enforcement. The amendment failed 50-50.

2021: Voted in favor of Amdt. 651 to S. Con. Res. 5 to end catch-and-release Sen. Cruz voted in favor of Amendment #651, introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have ended the practice of catch-and-release at the border. The amendment failed 50-50.

2021: Voted in favor of Amdt. 542 to S. Con. Res. 5 to provide border fence funding Sen. Cruz voted in favor of Amendment #542, introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have provided funding for border fence construction. The amendment failed 50-50.

2021: Voted in favor of Amdt. 687 to S. Con. Res. 5 to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy Sen. Cruz voted in favor of Amendment #687, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), to S. Con. Res. 5, the 2021 COVID-19 stimulus bill. The amendment would have reinstated the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the Remain in Mexico policy. The amendment failed 50-50.

2019: Voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Cruz voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

2019: Cosponsored S. 53, the WALL Act of 2019, to build additional border barriers Sen. Cruz cosponsored, S. 53, the WALL Act of 2019, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.). This legislation would appropriate $25 billion for construction additional barriers along the Southern border. The bill would offset the funds by increasing penalties for illegal entry and adding a civil fine for visa overstays.

2019: Cosponsored S. 25, the EL CHAPO Act, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), to strengthen border security Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 25, the EL CHAPO Act of 2019. This legislation would allow for money confiscated from the drug cartels along the border to be used to fund a border fence.

2018: Voted against the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken border security Sen. Cruz voted against an amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have appropriated some funding for border security, but limited the ability of Customs and Border Patrols role in enforcement. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).

2017: Cosponsored legislation funding the border fence (Cruz) Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 939, the EL CHAPO Act. This legislation would allow for money confiscated from the drug cartels along the border to be used to fund a border fence. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

2015: Voted in favor of McCain amdt to S. Con. Res. 11 to support expedited removal of illegal aliens Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the McCain amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res 11. Sen. McCains original amendment called for the expedited removal of unaccompanied minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Those three countries were the source of the unprecedented border surge along the U.S.-Mexico border during the summer of 2014. But his original amendment also included a provision that would allow for the creation of in-country processing of refugees in those three countries. After NumbersUSA pointed out to Senators that the Central American migrants are not fleeing government persecution, and so do not qualify as refugees, but are instead seeking the benefits of the Presidents rewriting of our immigration law, Sen. McCain removed the in-country processing language, and NumbersUSA supported the amendment. Since the amendment was part of a Budget Resolution, it is non-binding and doesnt force a change in the current policy that allows unaccompanied minors from those three countries to be treated differently than those from Mexico or Canada. If the provision, however, remains in the budget resolution thats eventually approved by both chambers of Congress, it allows appropriators later to set spending levels for the 2016 fiscal year that call for the expedited removal of illegal aliens from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The amendment passed 58-to-42 (including the support of three Democrats and one Independent also Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Angus King of Maine, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri.

2013: Voted in favor of amendment to increase border security (Cornyn) Sen. Cruz voted against tabling the Cornyn amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required 90% operational security along the entire U.S. - Mexico border before illegal aliens could receive citizenship. The amendment failed 43-54 (20 June 2013).

2013: Voted in favor of an amendment to increase border security (Paul) Sen. Cruz voted against tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required Congressional approval before RPI status was given to illegal aliens and required completion of the border fence. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).

2013: Voted in favor of amendment to ensure border security (Lee) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Lee amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have required Congress to sign off on DHS implementation of border security strategies and certify that the strategies are operational. As the bill is written, there is no Congressional oversight or approval needed. The amendment failed 39-52, with a 3/5ths vote needed for passage (19 June 2013).

2013: Voted in favor of amendment to build double-layered border fence (Thune) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Thune amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Thunes amendment would have required the completion of the 350 miles of reinforced, double-layered fencing described in section 102(b)(1)(A) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status could be granted and to require the completion of 700 miles of such fencing before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be adjusted to permanent resident status. The amendment failed 39-54, with a 3/5ths vote necessary for passage (18 June 2013).

2013: Voted in favor of amendment to ensure effective control of the border (Grassley) Sen. Cruz voted against tabling the Grassley amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have prohibited the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months. As written, illegal aliens receive RPI status almost immediately after the bills passage. The amendment failed 43-57 (13 June 2013).

Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) to fund interior enforcement.

The Senate-amended FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides between $175 - 200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the Senate 51-48 and later passed the House 216-214).

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Accountability Through Verification Act (S. 1151) to mandate use of the E-Verify system

The Accountability Through Verification Act (by Chuck Grassley, R-IA) would require all employers to use E-Verify to check the work authorization for all new hires - and all existing employees who have not yet been checked - within one year, and increase penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal workers.  The legislation also includes provisions to detect identity theft and unauthorized aliens using false or stolen Social Security numbers.
 

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the STOP MADNESS Act (S. 363) to sanction nations that do not accept deported nationals or that facilitate illegal migration.

The STOP MADNESS Act (by Tim Scott, R-SC) would sanction nations and foreign leaders who do not accept repatriated nationals or who facilitate illegal immigration.
 

Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) to fund interior enforcement.

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the Senate 52-48, setting up a conference with the House).

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (S. 158) to make various forms of domestic abuse a deportable offense.

The Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (by Marsha Blackburn, R-TN) would make aliens deportable from and inadmissible to the United States if they. are convicted of or have admitted to various crimes, including domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, sexual offenses, and violations of certain protection orders. (The House version passed 274-145 and has not yet been considered by the Senate.)

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the POLICE Act (S. 212) to make assaulting a police officer a deportable offense.

The POLICE Act of 2025 (by Ted Budd, R-NC) would make aliens deportable from the United States if they assault a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder.
 

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Stop Illegal Reentry Act (S. 271) to increase penalties for illegal reentry.

The Stop Illegal Reentry Act (by Ted Cruz, R-TX) would increase penalties for illegal aliens who illegally reenter the United States after being removed.
 

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored Sarah's Law (S. 84) to require the detention of aliens charged with a crime resulting in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.

Sarah's Law (by Joni Ernst, R-IA) requires the detention of aliens who have been charged with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.  The legislation also calls for DHS to notify the victim/victim's family of relevant immigration and criminal history of the accused.
 

2025: (Jan. 20) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Ernst amendment (S.Amdt. 8) to the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to expand the list of offenses that would require mandatory detention.
The amendment (by Joni Ernst, R-IA) to The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) added "assault of a law enforcement officer" and "any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person" to the list of offenses requiring mandatory detention. (The amendment passed 75-24 and was included in the final bill.)

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act (S. 185) to assist victims of illegal alien crime.

The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act (by Thom Tillis, R-NC) would establish a civil action for harm caused by an alien who benefited from sanctuary policies. The bill would also provide immunity to local law enforcement who honor an ICE detainer request.
 

2025: (Jan. 20) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act (S.5) to strengthen detention requirements and give states the ability to sue the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft, assault, and bodily harm; also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.

2025: (Jan. 17) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of cloture to allow the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to move to a final vote.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft (burglary, larceny & shoplifting); also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The 61-35 vote allowed the Senate to proceed to the final floor vote.)

2025: (Jan. 15) Sen. Cruz voted against the Coons amendment (S.Amdt.23) to the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to remove states' ability to sue the federal government for failing to enforce immigration laws.
This amendment (by Chris Coons, D-DE) to the Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) would have stripped out the provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The amendment failed 46-49.)

2025 (Jan. 09): Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the first cloture on the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to proceed to debate and amendments.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft (burglary, larceny & shoplifting); also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The cloture vote passed 84-9, allowing the Senate to proceed with amending the legislation.)

Sen. Cruz co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act (S.5) to strengthen detention requirements and give states the ability to sue the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft (burglary, larceny & shoplifting); also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements";  2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.)

2024: Cosponsored S. 5183 to add certain sex crimes to list of deportable offenses 

Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 5183, the Be GONE Act, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The legislation would add sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence to the aggravated felony list.

2024: Voted for H.R. 2 to mandate E-Verify and criminalize visa overstays
Sen. Cruz voted to attach H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, to H.R. 7463.  H.R. 2 (introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL) would require most employers to use E-Verify within two years to ensure that new hires are authorized to work in the United States. The legislation provides additional time for agricultural employers to comply. The bill would also make overstaying a visa a felony crime and allow Unaccompanied Alien Children from noncontiguous countries to be returned to their home countries.

2023: Sponsored S. 332 to add penalties for overstaying a visa
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 332, the WALL Act, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The legislation would add a $50 per month penalty to anyone who overstays a visa.

2023: Sponsored S. 1068 to discourage sanctuary cities
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 1068, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The legislation would give immunity to state and local law enforcement who assist with immigration enforcement, expand the definition of sanctuary jurisdictions to include those that don't comply with detainer requests, and block certain federal benefits for sanctuary jurisdictions.

2023: Sponsored S. 160 to require detention of illegal aliens charged with serious crimes
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 160, Sarah's Law, introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The legislation would require the detention of aliens who are charged with a crime that resulted in the death of serious bodily injury of another person.

2023: Sponsored S. 333 to remove time limits on the detention of illegal aliens
Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 333, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act, introduced by Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The legislation would allow ICE to detain illegal aliens beyond the current 6 month limit.

2023: Sponsored S. 156 to mandate E-Verify
Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 156, the Accountability Through Verification Act, introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). The legislation would require all employers to use E-Verify to check the work authorization for all new hires. Further, the legislation would require employers to run all existing employees who have not yet been checked within one year and increase penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal workers.

2021: Sponsored S. 71, the Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act, to require employers to use E-Verify Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 71, introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). The legislation would require all businesses to use E-Verify within one year for both new hires and existing employees. Further, the legislation would require information sharing between the relevant agencies to eliminate fraud.

2021: Sponsored S. 25, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, to block funds for sanctuary cities Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 25, introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The legislation would block certain federal funds to jurisdictions that provide drivers licenses to illegal aliens.

2021: Sponsored S. 59, the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act, to assist victims of illegal alien crime Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 59, introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). The legislation would establish a civil action for harm caused by an alien who benefited from a sanctuary policy. It would also provide immunity for state/local law enforcement when complying with ICE detainers.

2022: Sponsored S. 4636 to strengthen penalties Sen. Cruz sponsored S. 4636, the Asylum Accountability Act, introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). The legislation would turn the 10-year bar for failure to appear at a removal hearing to a permanent bar.

2020: Voted against H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that would weaken interior enforcement and increase foreign worker visas. The bill reduced funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by $431 million. Further, the bill authorized the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to increase the number of H-2B visas issued during the 2021 fiscal year.

2019: Cosponsored S. 1644 to end sanctuary cities Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 1644, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), that would end sanctuary cities. The bill would block certain federal grants to local municipalities that fail to comply with immigration detainer requests and provide immunity to local law enforcement officers who cooperate with ICE officers.

2020: Cosponsored S. 3286, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, to reduce rewards for illegal immigration Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 3286, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). The legislation would block Byrne grants for states that issue drivers licenses to illegal aliens and/or block DHS from accessing DMV records.

2019: Cosponsored S. 2059, the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2019, to discourage sanctuary policies Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 2059, the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2019, introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC). The bill would establish a civil action for victims of felony crimes committed by aliens who benefited from sanctuary policies. The bill would also provide immunity for local law enforcement for complying with ICE detainer requests.

2019: Cosponsored S. 2869 to strengthen interior enforcement Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 2869, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act, introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) that would require mandatory detention for all criminal aliens, reversing the decision made in Zadvydas that limits the amount of time an alien can be detained.

2019: Voted against H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to prevent weakening interior enforcement Sen. Cruz voted against H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that provides funding for the federal government for FY2020. H.R. 1158 effectively prohibits ICE from cooperating with Health and Human Services to detain or remove illegal alien sponsors of unaccompanied alien children (UACs).

2019: Voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, in the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Cruz voted in favor of S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act, introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The legislation would: 1) reform the Flores Settlement Agreement to allow alien minors to be detained for longer than 20 days, 2) allow unaccompanied alien children from non-contiguous countries to be returned immediately, 3) allow UACs to be released to sponsors under certain conditions, 4) provide sponsor information to DHS, 5) strengthen the credible fear standard, 6) restrict asylum to only those who pass through a port of entry, and 7) add immigration judges, among other things. The vote was held in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

2019: Cosponsored S. 599, Singhs Law, introduced by Sen. Tom Cotton. Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 599, Singhs Law of 2019. This legislation, which was endorsed by NumbersUSA, would declare association with a criminal gang in combination with a conviction for any crime to be grounds for inadmissibility to the United States and grounds for removal. The bill also bars any alien found to be a member of a gang from qualifying for asylum, Temporary Protected Status, special immigrant juvenile visas, and other forms of relief from removal, it also grants the DHS Secretary authority to designate criminal gangs under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Finally, it establishes the Ronil Singh Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to provide $200 million in federal funds a year to state and local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of combating criminal gangs. State and local agencies must fully comply with federal immigration authorities in order to be eligible to receive these funds.

2018: Voted against the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken interior enforcement Sen. Cruz voted against an amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have reprioritized interior enforcement, protecting nearly every illegal alien, including illegal aliens not even in the country yet, for deportation. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).

2018: Voted for Sen. Toomeys amendment that would punish sanctuary cities Sen. Cruz voted in favor of an amendment offered by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Toomey amendment would: 1) block certain Federal grants to sanctuary jurisdictions and reallocate those funds to jurisdictions that uphold Federal law, 2) protect local police from lawsuits for honoring ICE detainer requests, and 3) explicitly allow localities to protect from referral to ICE victims of or witnesses to a crime. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).

2017: Cosponsored legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 87, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would help end sanctuary policies that aim to protect criminal aliens by defining sanctuary jurisdictions as any state or local jurisdiction that fails to communicate with federal immigration agents and refuses to comply with detainer requests. The bill would also block certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and shield local police from liability when acting on behalf of a federal immigration request.

2017: Cosponsored legislation strengthening interior enforcement (Grassley) Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 51, the Taking Action Against Drunk Drivers Act. This legislation would make aliens with multiple DUIs priorities for removal and inadmissible. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

2017: Cosponsoring legislation to strengthen immigration laws (Grassley) Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 52, legislation that would designate an illegal alien who is or was a member of a criminal gang, or who participated in gang activity knowing that such participation will promote the gangs illegal activity, is inadmissible and deportable. The bill would also require mandatory detention of such illegal aliens.

2017: Cosponsored legislation allowing for the extended detention of illegal aliens (Inhofe) Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 36, the Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2017. This legislation would allow DHS to detain illegal aliens with final removal orders and those in removal proceedings for longer than six months. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK).

2016: Voted to begin debate on legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Cruz has voted to invoke cloture on S. 3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would help end sanctuary policies that aim to protect criminal aliens by defining sanctuary jurisdictions as any state or local jurisdiction that fails to communicate with federal immigration agents and refuses to comply with detainer requests. The bill would also block certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and shield local police from liability when acting on behalf of a federal immigration request.

2016: Cosponsored legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Cruz has cosponsored S. 3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would help end sanctuary policies that aim to protect criminal aliens by defining sanctuary jurisdictions as any state or local jurisdiction that fails to communicate with federal immigration agents and refuses to comply with detainer requests. The bill would also block certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and shield local police from liability when acting on behalf of a federal immigration request.

2015: Voted to end Sanctuary Cities in 2015 (Vitter) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of cloture to open debate on S. 2146, the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act. This legislation would withhold certain federal funding from jurisdictions that enact sanctuary policies, require the Department of Homeland Security to create a public list of jurisdictions that have sanctuary policies in effect, protect local law enforcement from liability in holding criminal aliens for ICE pick-up, and increase penalties for illegal re-entry into the United States. The bill is sponsored by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).

2015: Cosponsoring interior enforcement legislation Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 1640, the Michael Davis, Jr. in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act. Known as the SAFE Act in the previous Congress, this legislation would empower local law enforcement agents to enforce federal immigration laws. This legislation would also require DHS to create a national immigration violators database. This legislation would help reduce illegal immigration by empowering law enforcement officials and making it more difficult for illegal aliens to live and work in local communities.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to enhance and ensure immigration enforcement Sen. Cruz cosponsored S. 1842, the Protecting American Lives Act. This legislation would block all federal funding to jurisdictions that prevent law enforcement agents from fully cooperating with federal immigration agents. The bill would require that jurisdictions notify ICE when they come in lawful contact with illegal aliens. The bill would also impose mandatory sentencing requirements for illegal aliens who re-enter the country after being removed.

2013: Voted in favor of an amendment to implement full entry/exit system (Paul) Sen. Cruz voted against tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required implementation of a biometric entry/exit system at all points of entry. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).

2013: Voted in favor of amendment to require biometric entry/exit system (Vitter) Sen. Cruz voted in favor of the Vitter amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required the implementation of a biometric entry/exit system (the US-VISIT System) at all ports of entry before illegal aliens could be granted temporary legal status or citizenship. Sen. Vitters amendment failed 36-58, with a 3/5ths vote being required for passage (18 June 2013).