2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to increase chain migration with new green cards.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361, the Border Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). This legislation would increase family-based and employment green cards by 50,000 annually for five fiscal years.  This is similar to the earlier border legislation introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

2024: Voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815 to increase chain migration with new green cards.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815, introduced by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and Chuch Schumer (D-NY). This legislation would increase family-based and employment green cards by 50,000 annually for five fiscal years.

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to expand chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Tester in favor of 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.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against increasing chain migration.
Sen. Tester voted against a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against increasing chain migration.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against increasing chain migration.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to increase chain migration by approximately 251,000 per year. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase chain migration.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Menendez Amendment (SA 1194) to S. 1348 to increase near-term legal immigration by more than 100,000 each year by changing the cut-off date for reducing the backlog of family-sponsored immigration applicants from May 1, 2005, to January 1, 2007. The Menendez Amendment failed by a vote of 53 to 44.

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to expand chain migration.
Sen. Tester voted against the Clinton Amendment (SA 1183) to S. 1348 to significantly increase legal immigration by adding an unlimited number of spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents to the uncapped immediate relative category that currently is for the spouses, minor children and parents of U.S. citizens only. The spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents currently are allocated some 87,000 visas each year. The Clinton Amendment failed by a vote of 44 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase chain migration.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Akaka Amendment to S. 1348 to increase chain migration by exempting children of Filipino World War II veterans naturalized pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990 from numerical limits on worldwide immigration. The Akaka Amendment passed by a vote of 87 to 9.

2013: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Schumer) Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. 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, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. 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). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).

2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to greatly increase unnecessary workers.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361, the Border Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). This legislation would provide a massive surge of cheap labor by handing out 50,000 additional green cards annually for five years, providing amnesty to around 250,000 dependents of H1B aliens who would otherwise age out, and granting instant automatic employment authorization to aliens seeking asylum. This is similar to the earlier border legislation introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

2024: Voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815 to greatly increase unnecessary workers.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815, introduced by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and Chuch Schumer (D-NY). This legislation would provide a massive surge of cheap labor by handing out 50,000 additional green cards annually for five years, providing amnesty to around 250,000 dependents of H1B aliens who would otherwise age out, and granting instant automatic employment authorization to aliens seeking asylum.

2022: Voted in favor of H.R. 2471 to increase in H-2B and EB-5 visas Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 in favor of H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 in favor of H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, to increase H-2B visas Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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.

2019: Voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to increase H-2B visas Sen. Tester voted in favor of H.J.Res. 31, the omnibus spending bill. The bill allows for the Secretary of Homeland Security to increase the number of H-2B guest worker visas issued in FY2019.

2018: Voted in favor of the Omnibus Spending Bill to increase H-2B visas Sen. Tester voted in favor of the substitute amendment to H.R. 1625, the omnibus spending bill of 2018. The massive spending bill included a provision that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to double the number of H-2B visas in FY2018.

2017: Voted in favor of increasing foreign worker visas Sen. Tester voted in favor of H.R. 244, the 2017 omnibus spending bill. A provision of the bill allows DHS to raise the H-2B cap by 70,000 in 2017 by excluding returning H-2B workers. The spending bill, and the H-2B provision, covers half of 2017.

2017: Cosponsored legislation adding dairy, poultry, and equine workers to the H-2A visa (Paul) Sen. Tester cosponsored S. 1578, the Paperwork Reduction for Farmers Act. This legislation would make dairy, poultry, and equine workers eligible for the H-2A Ag guest-worker visa. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).

2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Tester 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. Tester 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 against granting President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority in 2015 Sen. Tester voted against 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 in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Tester in favor of 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.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against increasing foreign worker importation.
Sen. Tester voted against a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase the importation of both temporary and permanent foreign workers. S. 1639 would increase the importation of temporary foreign workers by 340,000 year and also add 106,877 permanent workers a year for 5 years. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against increasing foreign worker visas.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would increase importation of temporary and permanent foreign workers. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor reducing foreign worker importation.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to increase importation of temporary and permanent foreign workers. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to sunset guestworker provisions of a bill.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Dorgan Amendment (SA 1316) to S. 1348 to sunset the guestworker provisions of the bill in five years. This was the second vote on the Dorgan Amendment which previously failed by a vote of 48 to 49. This time it passed by a vote of 49 to 48.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to protect American workers.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Durbin Amendment to S. 1348 to ensure that employers make efforts to recruit American workers before hiring foreign workers. The Durbin Amendment passed by a vote of 71 to 22.

2007-2008: Voted in favor of amendment to increase fees on H-1B visas.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Sanders Amendment to S. 1348 increase the fees employers who wish to import H-1B high-skill nonimmigrant workers from $1,500 to $10,000, with the funds going to scholarships for American high tech students. The Sanders Amendment passed by a vote of 59 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to sunset guestworker provisions of a bill.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Dorgan Amendment to S. 1348 to sunset the guestworker provisions of the bill in five years. The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 48 to 49.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to reduce a proposed guestworker program in a bill.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Bingaman Amendment (SA 1169) to S. 1348. The Bingaman Amendment would reduce the annual importation of workers under the new guestworker programs proposed by S. 1348 from 400,000 to 200,000 workers per year. The Bingaman Amendment passed by a vote 74 of 24.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to remove a proposed guestworker program in a bill.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Dorgan Amendment to S. 1348 to delete the provisions of S. 1348 that would create a new guestworker program for up to 600,000 foreign workers annually. The Dorgan Amendment failed by a vote of 31 to 64.

2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to reduce asylum fraud.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361, the Border Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). This legislation would grant employment authorization instantly to asylum seekers, provide adjustment of status for Afghan nationals illegally paroled into the country, and create a new SIV program for Afghans. This is similar to the earlier border legislation introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

2024: Voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815 to reduce asylum fraud.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815, introduced by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and Chuch Schumer (D-NY). This legislation would grant employment authorization instantly to asylum seekers, provide adjustment of status for Afghan nationals illegally paroled into the country, and create a new SIV program for Afghans.

2023: Voted against S. Amdt. 110 to H.R. 3476 to reduce Asylum Fraud
Sen. Tester voted against S. Amdt. 110, offered by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to H.R. 3476. S. Amdt. 110 would have added the House-passed H.R. 2 to the Debt Limit compromise bill. The legislation 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.

2017: Cosponsored legislation to nullify President Trumps refugee executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Tester cosponsored S. 274. This legislation would nullify Executive Order 13769, thereby increasing the refugee cap by 35,000. The legislations main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.).

2017: Cosponsored legislation to nullify President Trumps refugee executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Tester cosponsored S. 240. This legislation would nullify Executive Order 13769, thereby increasing the refugee cap by 35,000. The legislations main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Cal.).

2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Tester 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 in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase refugee and asylum fraud (Schumer) Sen. Tester in favor of 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.

2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to grant amnesty to undocumented “Dreamers.”
Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361, the Border Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). This legislation would provide lawful status for the dependents of H-1B aliens after they would otherwise age out of dependent status and allow them to apply for indefinite employment authorization. This is similar to the earlier border legislation introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

2024: Voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815 to grant amnesty to undocumented “Dreamers.”
Sen. Tester voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815, introduced by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and Chuch Schumer (D-NY). This legislation would provide lawful status for the dependents of H-1B aliens after they would otherwise age out of dependent status and allow them to apply for indefinite employment authorization.

2023: Voted against S. Amdt. 110 to H.R. 3476 to prevent amnesties for illegal border crossers
Sen. Tester voted against S. Amdt. 110, offered by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to H.R. 3476. S. Amdt. 110 would have added the House-passed H.R. 2 to the Debt Limit compromise bill. The legislation would reduce amnesty by strictly limiting the situations under which an administration can grant parole to illegal aliens.

2018: Voted in favor of the McCain-Coons amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Tester voted for 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 in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Tester voted for the 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 in favor of Attorney General nominee who supports amnesty Sen. Tester voted in favor of Loretta Lynchs confirmation as Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General, the top law enforcement office in the country, is a position that should be reserved for qualified individuals with the utmost regard for the rule of law. Unfortunately, while Ms. Lynch served honorably as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, she indicated during the confirmation process that she did not have that regard for duly enacted immigration laws. She deemed reasonable President Obamas unprecedented and unconstitutional amnesties. Her dismissive attitude about the seriousness of enforcing immigration laws was largely explained in her initial answer to Senate questioning about whether the priority for U.S. jobs should be that they go to unlawfully present foreign workers or to legal workers of our nation. Ms. Lynch answered that everybody should be getting U.S. jobs regardless of their legal status, despite the fact that the primary purpose of immigration laws is to protect vulnerable American workers. As a result, NumbersUSA took an unusual step and scored the vote for the confirmation of Ms. Lynch as a vote against against the rule of law, and against the interests of American workers. Ms. Lynch was confirmed by a vote of 56 to 43.

2015: Voted in FAVOR OF McConnell substitute amendment to H.R. 240 to fund Executive Amnesties Sen. Tester voted in FAVOR OF 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 in favor of the McConnell substitute amendment was a vote against protecting struggling American workers who will have to compete for scarce jobs with millions of unlawful immigrants. It was also a vote to cede 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 FOR Executive Amnesty by voting against Sessions/Lee motion to allow possibility of de-funding Executive Amnesty in DHS Appropriations Sen. Tester voted against 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 against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree was a vote for amnesty and lawlessness a vote against the open process. The Sessions/Lee motion to table failed by a vote of 34 to 65.

2015: Voted against SECOND Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Tester voted against 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 against THIRD Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Tester voted against 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 against FIRST Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to de-fund Executive Amnesty Sen. Tester voted against 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.

2014: Voted Against Blocking Obamas Mass Amnesty Sen. Tester voted against 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.

None

2013: Voted in favor of an amendment designed to pass overall amnesty bill (Schumer-Corker-Hoeven) Sen.Tester voted in favor of 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 in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Tester in favor of 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.

2010: Voted against the DREAM Act amnesty.
The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 30 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came illegally to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration.

2010: Voted against the DREAM Act amnesty.
The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 30 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came illegally to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration.

2007-2008: Voted against DREAM Act amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2205, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2007. S. 2205 would reward up to 2.1 million illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 52 to 44.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against rewarding illegal aliens with amnesty.
Sen. Tester voted against a second motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would reward up to six million illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture would have limited further debate on the bill and moved it to a final vote. A vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 46 to 53.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor against amnesty for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on S. 1639, which would reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture was a move to initiate debate on the proposal and limit further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture passed by a vote of 64 to 35.

2007-2008: Voted on Senate floor in favor of reducing amnesties for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to invoke cloture on the substitute amendment (SA 1150) to S. 1348, a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty. The motion to invoke cloture would have ended debate on the proposal and limited further discussion of amendments to a previously-agreed upon set of proposals -- thus a vote against cloture was effectively a vote in favor of killing the amnesty-guestworker bill. The motion to invoke cloture failed by a vote of 45 to 50.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to bar certain criminals from amnesty.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1184) to S. 1385 to bar criminal aliens from receiving amnesty. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff has estimated that 15% of illegal aliens are criminals. The Cornyn Amendment failed by a vote of 46 to 51.

2007-2008: Voted in favor of amendment to strip amnesty provisions from a bill.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Vitter Amendment to strip the amnesty provisions from S. 1348. The Vitter Amendment failed by a vote of 29 to 66.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to create a disincentive to apply for amnesty.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1250) to S. 1348 to discourage applicants from applying for amnesty by eliminating the provisions protecting the confidentiality of the information contained in amnesty applications and, instead, requires the sharing of application-related information upon the request of a law enforcement agency, intelligence, or national security agency, or DHS component when requested in connection with a duly-authorized investigation of a civil violation. The Cornyn Amendment passed by a vote of 57 to 39.

2015: Voted AGAINST FOURTH Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to defund Executive Amnesty Sen. Tester voted AGAINST cloture to allow the Senate to proceed to debate on H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty that would provide legal status and work permits for up to 5 million illegal aliens. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 240 in January 2015 by a vote of 236-191. Despite campaign statements from several Democratic Senators in November 2014 opposing Executive Amnesty, none of the Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to come to the Senate floor for debate because it contains language de-funding the amnesties. President Obama has repeatedly said he will veto any legislation that defunds his Executive Amnesties, including a DHS Appropriations bill. As a reminder, DHS was only funded on a short-term (3 months) basis during the CROmnibus spending fight in December 2014 to allow Republicans to attempt to de-fund Executive Amnesty once they took control of the House and Senate in the 114th Congress. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 unless the Senate passes an Appropriations bill and sends it to the Presidents desk, forcing him to decide if he will shut down DHS funding in order to protect his Executive Amnesties. The vote on the FOURTH motion to proceed to debate failed by a vote of 47 - 46 (60 votes required for passage).

2021: Voted in favor of Amdt. 54 to S. Con. Res. 5 to block stimulus payments to illegal aliens Sen. Tester 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.

2016: Cosponsored legislation to repeal REAL ID (Daines) Sen. Tester has cosponsored S. 2440, the Repeal ID Act of 2016. The bill would repeal the REAL ID Act that requires U.S. citizens and legal immigrants to carry tamper-proof and secure forms of identification and to require states to share information. REAL ID would require use of the secure IDs to board airplanes among other things. Its repeal would make it easier for illegal aliens to live and travel in the United States. The bill was introduced by Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.).

2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Tester in favor of 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.

2010: Voted for an amendment in support of Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. Tester made it clear that illegal aliens should not be rewarded for breaking immigration laws.

2010: Voted for an amendment in support of Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. Tester made it clear that illegal aliens should not be rewarded for breaking immigration laws.

2009-2010: Voted against an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. Tester opposed the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 627, The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009. The amendment would have required the banks that issue credit cards to ensure that those granted credit cards are in the United States legally by obliging the banks to verify the identity of applicants using REAL ID-compliant documents. By opposing this amendment the Senator helped illegal aliens remain in the United States. The amendment failed 28-65.

2009-2010: Voted against an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. Tester opposed the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 627, The Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights Act of 2009. The amendment would have required the banks that issue credit cards to ensure that those granted credit cards are in the United States legally by obliging the banks to verify the identity of applicants using REAL ID-compliant documents. By opposing this amendment the Senator helped illegal aliens remain in the United States. The amendment failed 28-65.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to eliminate rewards for illegal immigration.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Coburn Amendment (SA 1311) to S. 1348 to prohibit in-state tuition for illegal aliens and sanctuary cities for illegal aliens. The Coburn Amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 54.

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to repeal REAL ID and make America less secure (Akaka).
Sen. Tester cosponsored S. 717, which would have repealed the REAL ID Acts provisions implementing secure drivers license/ID card standards; would have prohibited a Federal agency from accepting a drivers license or identification card newly issued by a state more than two years after minimum standards are publicized, unless the license or card conforms to those standards; would have required states to be in full compliance with those minimum standards within five years of the standards being issued; and would have required DHS to award grants to states to assist them in conforming with minimum standards for drivers licenses and identification cards as established pursuant to this bill. Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) was the measures main sponsor.

2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to allow 5,000 illegal entries per day.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361, the Border Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT). This legislation would codify chaos at the border by allowing up to 5,000 illegal entries per day before border closure is required. The requirements for border closure are time-limited, and much discretion is placed in the hands of the President and his staff to determine how and when to use the authority provided. This is similar to the earlier border legislation introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).

2024: Voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815 to allow 5,000 illegal entries per day.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815, introduced by Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and Chuch Schumer (D-NY). This legislation would codify chaos at the border by allowing up to 5,000 illegal entries per day before border closure is required. The requirements for border closure are time-limited, and much discretion is placed in the hands of the President and his staff to determine how and when to use the authority provided.

2023: Voted against S. Amdt. 110 to H.R. 3476 to strengthen border security
Sen. Tester against S. Amdt. 110, offered by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to H.R. 3476. S. Amdt. 110 would have added the House-passed H.R. 2 to the Debt Limit compromise bill. The legislation 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. 208 to suspend the end of Title 42 for 60 days
Sen. Tester sponsored S. 208, the Public Health and Border Security Act, introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.). The legislation would prevent the ending of the Title 42 border health policy put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic for 60 days.

2022: Sponsored S. 4036 to continue Title 42 due to the COVID-19 pandemic Sen. Tester sponsored S. 4036, the Public Health and Border Security Act of 2022, introduced by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.). The legislation would block the Biden Administration from ending the Title 42 policy that prevents illegal border crossers from claiming asylum due to the COVID-19 pandemic for 60 days.

2021: Voted against Amdt. 872 to S. Con. Res. 5 to fund border security and interior enforcement Sen. Tester voted against 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 against Amdt. 651 to S. Con. Res. 5 to end catch-and-release Sen. Tester voted against 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 against Amdt. 542 to S. Con. Res. 5 to provide border fence funding Sen. Tester voted against 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.

2022: Voted against S.J. Res. 46 to disapprove of asylum rule Sen. Tester voted in favor of S.J.Res. 46 introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.). The legislation would formally disapprove of the Biden Administration rule to allow asylum officers to grant asylum to illegal border crossers at the border.

2021: Voted against Amdt. 687 to S. Con. Res. 5 to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy Sen. Tester voted against 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.

2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken border security Sen. Tester voted for the 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).

2015: Voted against McCain amdt to S. Con. Res. 11 to support expedited removal of illegal aliens Sen. Tester voted against 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 legislation to increase border security (Schumer) Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. 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, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. 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). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).

2013: Voted against amendment to increase border security (Cornyn) Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 against an amendment to increase border security (Paul) Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 against amendment to ensure border security (Lee) Sen. Tester voted against 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 against amendment to build double-layered border fence (Thune) Sen. Tester voted against 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 against amendment to ensure effective control of the border (Grassley) Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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).

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. Tester made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to secure the border and states should be allowed to assist in the effort.

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. Tester made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to secure the border and states should be allowed to assist in the effort.

2010: Voted for an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have funded the deployment of 6,000 National Guardsmen and women to the U.S. - Mexico border, thereby making it more difficult for human, drug, and arms traffickers to cross the border. The amendment failed 51-46 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Cornyn amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased funding for drug enforcement along the Southwest border. The amendment failed 54-43 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted against an amendment that would have helped the Justice Department handle immigration-related cases on the border more efficiently.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Kyl amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased resources within the Department of Justice to expedite immigration-related cases along the border. The amendment failed 54-44 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the McCain amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have funded the deployment of 6,000 National Guardsmen and women to the U.S. - Mexico border, thereby making it more difficult for human, drug, and arms traffickers to cross the border. The amendment failed 51-46 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted against an amendment that would have helped the Justice Department handle immigration-related cases on the border more efficiently.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Kyl amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased resources within the Department of Justice to expedite immigration-related cases along the border. The amendment failed 54-44 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2010: Voted for an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Cornyn amendment to H.R. 4899, the 2010 Emergency Supplemental bill. This amendment would have increased funding for drug enforcement along the Southwest border. The amendment failed 54-43 (a 3/5 vote was required for passage).

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. Tester voted for the DeMint amendment to H.R. 2892, the DHS Appropriations bill., which mandates that the 700 miles of border fencing (which was previously approved and appropriated for) be completed. The DeMint amendment passed 54-44.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. Tester voted for the DeMint amendment to H.R. 2892, the DHS Appropriations bill., which mandates that the 700 miles of border fencing (which was previously approved and appropriated for) be completed. The DeMint amendment passed 54-44.

2008: Voted for an amendment to increase border security funding and enforcement.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Sessions Amendment to S CON RES 70. This amendment would increase funding for border security, guarantee 700 miles of fencing, place 6,000 National Guardsmen on the border, and reimburse state and local law enforcement. The amendment passed 61 to 37.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase border control.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Coburn Amendment (SA 1311) to S. 1348 to increase border control by requiring construction of the border fence, implementation of US VISIT (entry-exit system), and biometric identification documents. The Coburn Amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 54.

2023: Voted against S. Amdt. 110 to H.R. 3476 to mandate E-Verify and criminalize visa overstays
Sen. Tester voted against S. Amdt. 110, offered by Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to H.R. 3476. S. Amdt. 110 would have added the House-passed H.R. 2 to the Debt Limit compromise bill. The legislation 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.

2020: Voted in favor of H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 in favor of H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Tester voted in favor of H.J.Res. 31, the omnibus spending bill. The bill reduces the funding for detention beds used by ICE to detain criminal aliens and recent illegal border crossers. It also provides protection from enforcement and removal for the illegal-alien sponsors and their families of unaccompanied alien children who cross the border illegally. Further, it prevents the hiring of any new ICE agents for Enforcement and Removal Operations.

2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken interior enforcement Sen. Tester voted for the 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 against Sen. Toomeys amendment that would punish sanctuary cities Sen. Tester voted against 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).

2016: Voted against beginning debate on legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Tester has voted against invoking 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.

2015: Voted to protect Sanctuary Cities in 2015 (Vitter) Sen. Tester voted against 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.).

2013: Voted in favor of legislation to mandate use of the E-Verify system (Schumer) Sen. Tester voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. 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, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. 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). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).

2013: Voted against an amendment to implement full entry/exit system (Paul) Sen. Tester voted in favor of 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 against amendment to require biometric entry/exit system (Vitter) Sen. Tester voted against 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).

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. Tester made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to prevent illegal aliens from living openly in the United States (including taking American jobs) and states should be allowed to assist in arresting and processing illegal aliens.

2010: Voted for an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the DeMint amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. The amendment, SA 4464, would have prevented the Department of Justice from participating in any lawsuit against Arizonas immigration enforcement law, SB 1070. Unfortunately, the amendment failed 43-55 on the Senate floor. By supporting this amendment, Sen. Tester made it clear that the federal government is not doing enough to prevent illegal aliens from living openly in the United States (including taking American jobs) and states should be allowed to assist in arresting and processing illegal aliens.

2009-2010: Voted for tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted against tabling an amendment (SA 2630) sponsored by Sen. David Vitter to the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill (H.R. 2847). The Vitter Amendment, if adopted, would have prevented federal funds from going to states and municipalities with sanctuary policies in place that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potential terrorists. The Vitter Amendment was tabled, with Sen. Testers vote essentially promoting sanctuaries for illegal aliens.

2009-2010: Voted for tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted against tabling an amendment (SA 2630) sponsored by Sen. David Vitter to the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill (H.R. 2847). The Vitter Amendment, if adopted, would have prevented federal funds from going to states and municipalities with sanctuary policies in place that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potential terrorists. The Vitter Amendment was tabled, with Sen. Testers vote essentially promoting sanctuaries for illegal aliens.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to table the Sessions amendment to H.R. 2892 (the DHS Appropriations bill) which reestablishes E-Verify permanently, mandates that any business getting a federal contract must run all new hires through E-Verify, and mandates that every existing employee who works on the government contracts must be run through E-Verify. The pre-existing employee provision only applied to the employees actually working on the government contract. The motion to table the Sessions amendment failed 44-53 and the amendment passed with a voice vote. H.R. 2892 was signed into law on October 28, 2009.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. Tester voted against a motion to table the Sessions amendment to H.R. 2892 (the DHS Appropriations bill) which reestablishes E-Verify permanently, mandates that any business getting a federal contract must run all new hires through E-Verify, and mandates that every existing employee who works on the government contracts must be run through E-Verify. The pre-existing employee provision only applied to the employees actually working on the government contract. The motion to table the Sessions amendment failed 44-53 and the amendment passed with a voice vote. H.R. 2892 was signed into law on October 28, 2009.

2009-2010: Voted for employment verification by supporting a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. Tester voted against tabling Sen. Jeff Sessions amendment to the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 1105). This amendment would have reauthorized the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification program for a period of five years. E-Verify, with a 99.4% accuracy rate, is the most effective tool in keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The 5-year extension was an effort to stop the program from being used as a trade-off for various amnesty plans. The Senate leadership decided to table Sessions amendment rather than allow a floor vote. By voting against the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. Tester supported the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.

2009-2010: Voted for employment verification by supporting a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. Tester voted against tabling Sen. Jeff Sessions amendment to the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill (H.R. 1105). This amendment would have reauthorized the E-Verify electronic employment eligibility verification program for a period of five years. E-Verify, with a 99.4% accuracy rate, is the most effective tool in keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The 5-year extension was an effort to stop the program from being used as a trade-off for various amnesty plans. The Senate leadership decided to table Sessions amendment rather than allow a floor vote. By voting against the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. Tester supported the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.

2008: Voted for an amendment to increase border security funding and enforcement.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Sessions Amendment to S CON RES 70. This amendment would increase funding for border security, guarantee 700 miles of fencing, place 6,000 National Guardsmen on the border, and reimburse state and local law enforcement. The amendment passed 61 to 37.

2008: Voted in favor of sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of tabling the Vitter Amendment to S. Con. Res. 70, a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2009. The Vitter Amendment would have created a reserve fund to ensure that Federal assistance does not go to sanctuary cities which ignore the immigration laws of the United States and create safe havens for illegal aliens and potential terrorists. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 58 to 40, effectively killing the amendment.

2007-2008: Voted for increasing interior enforcement by funding state and local law enforcement assistance in enforcing federal immigration laws.
Sen. Tester voted against tabling the Dole Amendment to H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008. The Dole Amendment would have appropriated $75 million to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for general support of state and local law enforcements assistance in the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. The vote to table the amendment passed by a vote of 50 to 42, effectively killing the amendment.

2007-2008: Voted in favor of sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of tabling the Vitter Amendment to H.R. 3093, the Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) spending bill. The Vitter Amendment would have denied Federal Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) funding to state and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities. The vote to table the Vitter Amendment passed 52 to 42, effectively killing the amendment.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to increase interior enforcement.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Coburn Amendment (SA 1311) to S. 1348 to increase interior enforcement by requiring implementation of US VISIT (entry-exit system) and biometric identification documents. The Coburn Amendment failed by a vote of 42 to 54.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment that deters employers from hiring illegal aliens.
Sen. Tester voted in favor of the Sessions Amendment to H.R. 2, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. The Sessions Amendment would prohibit employers who hire illegal aliens from receiving government contracts. The Sessions Amendment passed by a vote of 94-0.