2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2018: Voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), to end chain migration Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. H.R. 4760 would have ended chain migration and the visa lottery, reducing legal immigration by approximately 300,000 per year. The legislation would have also strengthened border security, closed loopholes that lead to asylum fraud, mandated E-Verify, and ended sanctuary cities. The legislation also would have granted amnesty to approximately 700,000 DACA recipients.

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) to end Chain Migration Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. This legislation would end Chain Migration by eliminating all adult family categories. The bill would provide a renewable, nonimmigrant visa for parents of U.S. citizens. These provisions would reduce annual legal immigration by more than 250,000 per year.

2013: Cosponsoring bill to end non-nuclear family chain migration Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of the Nuclear Family Priority Act, H.R. 477. The current annual limits on green cards are 78,000 parents, 65,000 adult brothers and sisters, 23,400 married sons and daughters and 23,400 unmarried adult sons and daughters. H.R. 477 would eliminate the latter three categories, create a special non-working visa for parents, and not provide an increase in any other category, thereby directly decreasing overall immigration by more than 111,800 per year (1.118 million a decade). This would indirectly reduce the numbers by even more over time as there would be fewer recent immigrants who are the ones most likely to bring people into the country as spouses or parents of U.S. citizens. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.).

2011: Cosponsoring bill to end non-nuclear family chain migration (Gingrey).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of the Nuclear Family Priority Act, H.R. 692. This bill would eliminate current green card categories for adult brothers and sisters, married and unmarried adult sons and daughters, and create a special non-working visa for parents. By not providing an increase in any other category, overall immigration would decrease by more than 111,800 per year (1.118 million a decade). The numbers would also be indirectly reduced by this bill because there would be fewer spouses or parents of U.S. citizens that would be brought into the country by immigrants. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 1100 to end the Visa Lottery
Rep. Bilirakis sponsored H.R. 1100, the SAFE for America Act, introduced by Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.). The legislation would end the visa lottery that issues 55,000 green cards each year through a random lottery. Green cards are awarded with little regard to a recipient's educational attainment or workforce skills. Ending the program was a recommendation of the last bipartisan Congressional immigration commission chaired by Barbara Jordan.

2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2012: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery in (Smith) Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program and transfers the visas to STEM categories. The visa lottery prgram grants 55,000 visa annually on a random basis to new immigrants. The bills sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). The legislation passed 245-139. (30 Nov. 2012, 11:39 AM).

2012: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Smith) Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program, and transfers the 55,000 yearly visas that would have been granted through the visa lottery into two new priority categories (doctorate and masters degree) under 203(b). For the first two fiscal years of the program, unused visas for which petitions or applications for labor certification have been filed will be added to the total visas for the next fiscal year. Following the first two years, remaining unused visas do not transfer to the next fiscal year. Further, student visas are reformed by adding a new STEM-based F-Visa subsection. This allows for new F-Visa applicants who are pursuing a degree in a STEM category to apply without the previously necessary intent to retain their residence in their home country. The bill received a vote of 257-158, but failed to pass the House because a 2/3rds vote was required for passage. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).

2012: Cosponsored legislation to end the visa lottery (Smith) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program, and transfers the 55,000 yearly visas that would have been granted through the visa lottery into two new priority categories (doctorate and masters degree) under 203(b). For the first two fiscal years of the program, unused visas for which petitions or applications for labor certification have been filed will be added to the total visas for the next fiscal year. Following the first two years, remaining unused visas do not transfer to the next fiscal year. Further, student visas are reformed by adding a new STEM-based F-Visa subsection. This allows for new F-Visa applicants who are pursuing a degree in a STEM category to apply without the previously necessary intent to retain their residence in their home country. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to eliminate the visa lottery (Goodlatte).
The visa lottery gives out 50,000 green cards each year, and it does not take into account humanitarian need, family connections, or potential contribution to the United States. Rep. ZZlastname cosponsored H.R. 1430, which would eliminate this arbitrary system. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to increase guest workers Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would expand the unlimited agricultural guest worker program to include jobs in dairy, meat processing, fish canneries, and more.

2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2022: Voted against H.R. 2471 to block increases in H-2B and EB-5 visas Rep. Bilirakis 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. 6800, the Heroes Act, to prevent unnecessary foreign workers Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). The legislation would automatically renew all nonimmigrant work permits that would have expired during the Covid-19 national emergency for a length of time equal to original visa. Further, it would also fast-track the admission of foreign health care workers and increase the number of green cards issued each year for the next 3 years by 4,000 for the importation of foreign doctors and nurses.

2019: Voted against H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to expand low-skilled legal immigration Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would have granted amnesty to approximately 1.5 million illegal farm workers and their families, while waiving many inadmissibility restrictions. It also would have expanded the H-2A guest worker program by setting aside 20,000 visas for year-round work traditionally held by American workers. Further, it would have created 40,000 new green cards for longtime H-2A workers and other low-skilled foreign workers.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, to increase H-2B visas Rep. Bilirakis 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 against the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to increase H-2B visas Sen. Bilirakis voted against 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 Goodlatte-Ryan-Denham Amnesty bill, H.R. 6136, that would have increased the number of green cards for foreign workers Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 6136, the Goodlatte-Ryan-Denham Amnesty bill. H.R. 6136 would have ended the Visa Lottery, but shifted the green cards to the employment-based green cards category. The bill would have increased the number of employment-based green cards issued each year from 140,000 to 205,000. The bill failed in the House 121-to-301. The bills main sponsor was Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

2018: Voted in favor of the Omnibus Spending Bill to increase H-2B visas Rep. Bilirakis 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.

2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of 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 to grant the President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)‚ Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of 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 Promotion Authority 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 sets 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 House by a vote of 218-208.

The REMAIN in Mexico Act (by Brandon Gill, R-TX) restores the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP or Remain in Mexico) policy as it was created by the Trump Administration. Bill requires technical amendments.

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to reduce Asylum Fraud
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). 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.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 3985 to increase refugee resettlement Rep. Bilirakis sponsored H.R. 3985, the Allies Act, introduced by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.). The legislation would reduce the threshold to participate in the Afghan SIV program, significantly increase the eligible pool beyond those who participated in sensitive and trusted activities, and increase the principle alien cap by 8,000.

2021: Voted in favor of H.R. 3985 to increase refugee resettlement Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 3985, the Allies Act, introduced by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.). The legislation would reduce the threshold to participate in the Afghan SIV program, significantly increase the eligible pool beyond those who participated in sensitive and trusted activities, and increase the principle alien cap by 8,000.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 4695, the PACT Act, to increase asylum fraud Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4695, the PACT Act, introduced by Rep. Elliot Engel (D-N.Y.). The legislation would make Syrian Kurds a priority for refugee resettlement, encouraging them to commit asylum fraud.

2018: Voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), to close asylum loopholes Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. H.R. 4760 would have ended chain migration and the visa lottery, reducing legal immigration by approximately 300,000 per year. The legislation would have also strengthened border security, closed loopholes that lead to asylum fraud, mandated E-Verify, and ended sanctuary cities. The legislation also would have granted amnesty to approximately 700,000 DACA recipients.

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) to reduce Asylum fraud Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. This legislation would reduce asylum fraud by reforming the processing of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) detained at the border.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to reduce refugee resettlement (McCaul) Rep. Bilirakis has cosponsored H.R. 3573, the Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act of 2015, that would require Congress to pass a joint resolution each year approving the number of refugees resettled in the United States each year. This would likely reduce the resettlement of refugees into the United States by requiring greater Congressional oversight. The bill was introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase refugee resettlement Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of 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.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to curtail border surge (Carter) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 1149, the Protection of Children Act of 2015, which takes excellent steps to resolve the surge of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) along the Southwest border. First, it removes the requirement that only UACs from contiguous countries receive expedited removal. In addition, children are no longer required to make their own independent decision to withdraw their applications for admission, and immigration officers who determine such children are inadmissible may withdraw their applications and return them to their home countries. The transfer time of UACs to HHS is extended to allow for review, and various improvements are made to the SIJ visa and asylum programs. Notably, this bill requires detailed information to be reported to DHS regarding the individuals with whom UACs are placed, including name, social security number, and immigration status. DHS is required to then investigate those with unknown immigration status and initiate removal proceedings on those unlawfully present. The bills main sponsor is Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.).

2014: Cosponsored legislation to combat border surge (Chaffetz) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 5137, Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2014, which represents one of the most thorough responses to the surge of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) at the Southwest border. Aside from repealing the requirements that resulted in UACs from contiguous countries receiving differing treatment than those from noncontiguous countries, this bill requires immigration officers to order all illegal entrants removed upon screening, absent an asylum claim. In order to encourage cooperation with return, foreign countries who resist repatriation will face cuts to foreign assistance. The definition of UAC is also limited further to those who do not have a parent, legal guardian, sibling over 18, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or cousin in the U.S. Further, the deadline before notification and transfer of UACs to Health and Human Services (HHS) is extended, and HHS is required to share details of the children and those with whom the children are placed with DHS. Additional judges and immigration attorneys are added in an attempt to address the current surge, while CBP is granted unimpeded access to Federal land, which includes the construction of tactical infrastructure. Finally, various changes are made to the asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa, and parole systems to severely limit fraud and abuse, while protecting those with legitimate claims.

2007: Voted for an amendment to reduce the time period of a countrys temporary protected status. Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Forbes amendment to HR 2638, which would prohibit funds pursuant to this bill from being used to extend the temporary protected status designation of a country. This amendment failed 123-298.

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.)

The Laken Riley Act (by Mike Collins, R-GA) 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 264-159, but was not considered by the Senate which focused on passing its own version, S. 5.)

2024: Voted for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, to hold the federal government accountable for immigration parole abuse
Rep. Bilirakis voted for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). The legislation would give legal standing to states to sue the federal government over its abuse of parole for apprehended illegal aliens.

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to prevent amnesties for illegal border crossers
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). The legislation would reduce amnesty by strictly limiting the situations under which an administration can grant parole to illegal aliens.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 2.9 million illegal aliens who claim to have entered the country under the age of 19 and to another 320,000 illegal aliens who have been granted Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure. The bill contains no immigration offsets or enforcement provisions to deter future illegal immigration.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would grant amnesty to more than 1 million illegal farm workers, allowing them to apply for permanent status upon working a certain number of hours in agriculture in future years.

2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2020: Voted against H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to prevent a temporary amnesty for illegal workers Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). The legislation would have granted deferred action and work authorization to approximately 2 million illegal aliens currently working in occupations that are considered to be critical infrastructure work.

2019: Voted against H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to grant amnesty to illegal farm workers Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would have granted amnesty to approximately 1.5 million illegal farm workers and their families, while waiving many inadmissibility restrictions. It also would have expanded the H-2A guest worker program by setting aside 20,000 visas for year-round work traditionally held by American workers. Further, it would have created 40,000 new green cards for longtime H-2A workers and other low-skilled foreign workers.

2019: Voted against H.R. 6 mass amnesty on House floor Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6 on the House floor that would have granted amnesty to approximately 4 million illegal aliens. The legislation included the Dream Act, which would have allowed 3.2 million illegal aliens who claim to have entered the country before their 18th birthday and meet certain other requirements to receive amnesty. The legislation also included an amnesty for at least 430,000 foreign citizens (mostly illegal aliens) from countries that have been given Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The bill passed the House by a vote on 237-to-187.

2018: Voted in favor of the Goodlatte-Ryan-Denham Amnesty bill, H.R. 6136, that would granted amnesty to at least 1.8 million illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 6136, the Goodlatte-Ryan-Denham Amnesty bill. H.R. 6136 would have granted amnesty to at least 1.8 million illegal aliens who meet the conditions outlined in Pres. Obamas unconstitutional DACA executive amnesty. The bill would have also created a special merit-based green card system to provide green cards to amnestied illegal aliens. The bill failed in the House 121-to-301. The bills main sponsor was Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

2016: Voted in favor of the Gosar amendment to FY17 defense spending bill to block amnesty for DACA recipients Rep. Bilirakis voted for Rep. Paul Gosars amendment to the FY17 Defense Appropriations bill. The Gosar amendment would have prohibited funds from being used by the Department of Defense to enlist DACA recipients into the military through the MAVNI program. The amendment failed 210-211.

2016: Voted for King amendment to FY17 defense spending bill to block amnesty for DACA recipients Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of Rep. Steve Kings amendment to the FY17 Defense Appropriations bill. The King amendment would have prohibited funds from being used by the Department of Defense to enlist DACA recipients into the military. The amendment failed 207-214.

2015: Voted in favor of Brooks amendment to remove military amnesty from National Defense Authorization Act Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of an amendment by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) to strip an amnesty provision from the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1735). The provision stripped by the Brooks Amendment would have encouraged the Secretary of Defense to waive military enlistment requirements for illegal aliens who received amnesty through Pres. Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Brooks Amendment passed 221-to-202.

2015: Blocks funding for Pres. Obama’s DAPA executive amnesty (Yoho) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored Rep. Ted Yoho’s H.R.38 that would block funding for Pres. Obama’s executive DAPA amnesty announced in Nov. 2014. This amnesty would result in work permits for approximately 5 million illegal aliens who are parents of U.S. citizens. The legislation, however, would prevent an exemption, allowing some illegal aliens to receive amnesty.

2015: Cosponsored H.R. 29 (Poe) that would block executive amnesty for illegal amnesty Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 29, the Separation of Powers Act of 2015. This legislation would block funding for the issuance of green cards to any illegal aliens unless the aliens case is reviewed on an individual basis and its for urgent humanitarian reasons. It would also block funding for the issuance of green cards or work permits to any illegal alien currently living in the United States.

2015: Voted AGAINST funding Executive Amnesties by opposing clean DHS Appropriations bill, H.R. 240 Rep. Bilirakis voted against final passage of H.R. 240, the DHS funding bill passed by the Senate which did not include riders to stop President Obamas unconstitutional Executive Amnesties. Although the House had originally passed H.R. 240 with these riders, the Senate stripped them out, thus fully funding the Executive Amnesties through September 2015. When the House voted on the bill as returned from the Senate, Sen. Bilirakis firmly opposed Executive Amnesty by voting against final passage (and consequently for a temporary shut down of DHS). Funding the Presidents illegal amnesties not only made Congress complicit in the Presidents lawless behavior, it also undermined the lawsuit filed by 26 states to stop implementation of the amnesties. If Congress is unwilling to fight to protect its own legislative powers, why should the courts fight on Congresss behalf? The bill passed by a vote of 257-167.

2015: Voted in favor of Aderholt Amendment to H.R. 240 to defund Pres. Obamas Nov. 2014 amnesty Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Aderholt Amendment to H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015. The Aderholt Amendment would defund implementation of all Obama and DHS November 2014 memoranda; defund 4 of the 5 Morton Memos that deal with prosecutorial discretion and detail who ICE agents can and cant deport; and prohibit federal benefits from being given to any illegal alien covered by the November memoranda. The Aderholt Amendment passed by a vote of 237-190.

2015: Voted in favor of Blackburn Amendment to H.R. 240 to defund Pres. Obamas DACA amnesty Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Blackburn Amendment to H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015. The Blackburn Amendment would defund the processing of applications and renewals of President Obamas 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, thus making it impossible for DACA recipients to continue to receive legal status. The Blackburn Amendment passed by a vote of 218-209.

2014: Voted to lock in President Obamas executive Amnesty Rep. Bilirakis cast a crucial YES vote in helping Pres. Obama and Speaker Boehner pass the CRomnibus that appears to fully fund the Obama amnesty through the Social Security Administration, Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies through next September, while funding the Department of Homeland Security part of the amnesty for the next couple of months. Most Democrats voted to kill the spending bill (mainly over other issues in the legislation). The net effect, though, was that Pres. Obama got his amnesty affirmed and funded mainly by a Republican Party that made opposition to amnesty one of the three main planks in their campaigns to take over Congress this fall.

2014: Cosponsored legislation to combat border surge (Chaffetz) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 5137, Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2014, which represents one of the most thorough responses to the surge of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) at the Southwest border. Aside from repealing the requirements that resulted in UACs from contiguous countries receiving differing treatment than those from noncontiguous countries, this bill requires immigration officers to order all illegal entrants removed upon screening, absent an asylum claim. In order to encourage cooperation with return, foreign countries who resist repatriation will face cuts to foreign assistance. The definition of UAC is also limited further to those who do not have a parent, legal guardian, sibling over 18, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or cousin in the U.S. Further, the deadline before notification and transfer of UACs to Health and Human Services (HHS) is extended, and HHS is required to share details of the children and those with whom the children are placed with DHS. Additional judges and immigration attorneys are added in an attempt to address the current surge, while CBP is granted unimpeded access to Federal land, which includes the construction of tactical infrastructure. Finally, various changes are made to the asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa, and parole systems to severely limit fraud and abuse, while protecting those with legitimate claims.

2014: Voted in favor of legislation to end DACA (Blackburn) Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 5272, legislation introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackurn to defund DACA. The bill represents a serious effort to address the true cause of the current border crisis: President Obamas contempt for immigration law. The bills language prevents the Obama Administration from expanding the existing illegal DACA amnesty program by using the primary power the Constitution reserves for the House of Representatives, the power of the purse. It prohibits the use of federal funds or resources for any further deferred action or work authorization for illegal aliens. The bill passed 216-192-1 (1 August 2014).

2013: Voted in favor of King Amdt to DHS Appropriations bill to prevent amnesty by prosecutorial discretion Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the King amendment to the FY2014 DHS Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2217). This amendment would have prohibited the Department of Homeland Security from using funds appropriated by Congress to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos. The Morton Memos were a series of three memos issued in 2011 that authorized the use of prosecutorial discretion and/or deferred action to provide amnesty to certain illegal aliens, particularly those brought here as children by their illegal alien parents. The amendment, offered by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), passed by a 224-201 vote (6 June 2013).

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: Working to create jobs for unemployed Americans by opposing amnesty for illegal aliens. Rep. Bilirakis is a member of the Reclaim American Jobs Caucus, which aims to highlight the correlation between the employment of illegal aliens and the unemployment of American workers.

2010: Cosponsored an anti-amnesty resolution (Chaffetz/Kratovil).
Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H. Res. 1026, the Bipartisan Reform of Immigration through Defining Good Enforcement Resolution. This resolution, whose main sponsors are Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.), calls for the House to pass a bill mandating the use of the E-Verify system, pass a bill ensuring that Americas borders are fully secure, and oppose all amnesty bills in 2010.

2011: Cosponsoring a bill that ends birthright citizenship (King).
Rep. Bilirakis is cosponsoring H.R. 140, which eliminates birthright citizenship, the process that automatically grants citizenship to the estimated 350,000 U.S.-born children of illegal aliens each year. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2009-2010: Cosponsored a bill to end birthright citizenship (Deal).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of H.R. 1868 to eliminate birthright citizenship, the process that automatically grants citizenship to the estimated 350,000 U.S.-born children of illegal aliens each year. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to end birthright citizenship (Deal).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of H.R. 1940 to eliminate birthright citizenship, the process that automatically grants citizenship to the estimated 250,000 U.S.-born children of illegal aliens each year. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) prevents illegal aliens and other temporary noncitizens (DACA and TPS recipients, parolees, asylees, et al.) from accessing certain federally-funded benefits and imposes a 5% tax on all remittances to foreign countries. (The legislation passed the House 215-214).

The SAVE Act (by Chip Roy, R-TX) would require states to verify the citizenship status of individuals registering to vote in federal elections and to remove non-citizens currently on voter rolls. (The bill passed the House 220-208 and proceeds to the Senate for consideration).
 

2023: Voted for H.J.Res. 24 to disapprove of illegal-alien voting in the District of Columbia
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.J. Res. 24, introduced by Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.). The joint resolution would officially disapprove the the District of Columbia's Council amendment that allows illegal aliens to vote in local elections. The resolution passed the House 260-162.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 5854 to block payments to illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis sponsored H.R. 5854, the Illegal Immigrant Payoff Prohibition Act, introduced by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.). The legislation would block payments to illegal aliens who file a civil action lawsuit.

2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation would grant work permits and legal status, called parole, to an estimated 7.9 million illegal aliens. Further, the bill would add an additional 1 million green cards above annual numerical limits.

2020: Cosponsored H.R. 5577, the No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act of 2020, to block illegal aliens from Social Security benefits Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 5577, the No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act of 2020, introduced by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.). The legislation would remove access to Social Security benefits for illegal aliens by removing contributions made through unauthorized employment or self-employment income.

2019: Cosponsored H.R. 4736, the Honest Elections Act, to prevent illegal-alien voting Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4736, the Honest Elections Act, introduced by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.). The legislation would block federal grants for jurisdictions that allow noncitizens to vote.

2020: Voted against H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to prevent stimulus checks for illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, introduced by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.). The legislation would have allowed illegal aliens to receive economic stimulus checks and required most illegal aliens in detention to be released unless their detention was required by law.

2020: Voted in favor of Motion to Recommit H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act, to block stimulus checks for illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of a motion to recommit H.R. 6800, the Heroes Act. The motion would remove a provision in the legislation that would allow illegal aliens to retroactively receive the $1,200 stimulus checks that were issued to citizens and legal permanent residents in the CARES Act during the Covid-19 national emergency.

2018: Voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), to end sanctuary cities Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. H.R. 4760 would have ended chain migration and the visa lottery, reducing legal immigration by approximately 300,000 per year. The legislation would have also strengthened border security, closed loopholes that lead to asylum fraud, mandated E-Verify, and ended sanctuary cities. The legislation also would have granted amnesty to approximately 700,000 DACA recipients.

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) to end rewards for illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. This legislation would block illegal aliens from receiving refundable tax credits.

2017: Voted in favor of legislation to withhold funds from sanctuary cities Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. This legislation expands the definition of sanctuary cities and withholds DOJ and DHS grants from them, clarifies the authority of ICE detainers and grants State and local law enforcement immunity for complying with detainer requests, and expands the authority of the Secretary of DHS to detain certain criminal aliens. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

2017: Voted in favor of legislation to prevent illegal aliens receiving health insurance subsidies Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act. This legislation would require the Social Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security to verify that every applicant for a healthcare exchange credit is a citizen or eligible alien before the Treasury Department could issue the tax credit. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.).

2017: Eliminate rewards for illegal aliens by eliminating EITC credits (Bilirakis) Rep. Bilirakis sponsored H.R. 1041, the SHUT Act of 2017. This legislation would prevent illegal aliens from receiving the Earned Income Tax Credits. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.).

2015: Eliminate rewards for illegal aliens by eliminating EITC credits (Bilirakis) Rep. Bilirakis sponsored Rep. Gus Bilirakiss SHUT Act, H.R.192, that would prevent illegal aliens from receiving the Earned Income Tax Credits.

2015: Cosponsoring H.R. 1148 to reduce rewards for illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis is cosponsoring H.R. 1148, the Michael Davis, Jr. in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act, sponsored by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC). This bill was known as the SAFE Act in the previous Congress. The legislation would prevent cities from providing sanctuary to illegal aliens and would provide funding for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) that reimburses states for incarcerating illegal aliens. The legislation would help reduce rewards for illegal immigration by preventing cities from providing a safe harbor for illegal aliens.

2014: Voted in favor of the Gohmert amendment to prevent housing subsides for illegal aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Gohmert amendment to H.R. 4745, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, of 2015. The amendment would have reduced funding to HUD for an amount equal to what has been spent in the past on Section 8 housing for illegal aliens. The amendment failed 160-266.

2013: Cosponsored legislation to prevent illegal aliens receiving Social Security payments Rep. Bilirakis has cosponsored H.R. 2745, the No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act of 2013. This legislation would amend the Social Security Act to exclude from creditable wages and self-employment income wages earned for services by aliens illegally performed in the United States and self-employment income derived from a trade or business illegally conducted in the United States. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA).

2011: Cosponsoring a bill that prevents illegal aliens receiving Social Security payments (Rohrabacher).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of the No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act of 2011 (H.R. 787), which amends the Social Security Act to exclude from creditable wages and self-employment income wages earned for services by aliens illegally performed in the United States and self-employment income derived from a trade or business illegally conducted in the United States. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.).

2010: Working to create jobs for unemployed Americans by reducing rewards for illegal aliens. Rep. Bilirakis is a member of the Reclaim American Jobs Caucus, which aims to highlight the correlation between the employment of illegal aliens and the unemployment of American workers.

2009: Voted to allow consideration of verification amendments to the health care reform bill Rep. Bilirakis voted against the rule to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Despite high publicity about the big loopholes in the bill allowing illegal aliens to participate in many parts of the new federal health care plan, the Rules Committee brought a rule to the House floor that blocked a vote on any amendment giving the Members a chance to close the loopholes. NumbersUSA notified the Members of Congress that a vote FOR the closed rule would be graded as a vote to provide rewards and incentives for illegal immigration. In particular

2008: Voted for an amendment to prevent illegal aliens from receiving federal housing funds.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of an amendment to H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. This amendment would prevent illegal aliens from receiving Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds pursuant to this act. The amendment passed by a vote of 391-33.

2008: Voted for an amendment to restrict funding to businesses that hire illegal aliens.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of an amendment to HR 5819 that would prohibit SBIR or STTR awards from going to a small business concern if an unlawful alien has an ownership interest in that concern or in a concern that has interest in the small business. The amendment also prohibits SBIR and STTR awards from going to businesses that have repeatedly hired, recruited, or referred unlawful aliens. The amendment passed by a vote of 406-0, with 3 present.

2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to prohibit Social Security funds from being used to administer benefits accrued from work performed in Mexico.
Rep. Bilirakis voted for the Gingrey amendment to HR 3043, an amendment to prohibit the use of funds by the SSA to administer Social Security benefit payments, under any agreement between the United States and Mexico establishing totalization arrangements between the two countries. The amendment passed 254-168.

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to require the use of official government documents (Blackburn).
Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 1314, the Photo Identification Security Act. This bill would have prohibited Federal agencies (for any official purpose) and financial institutions (for purposes of verifying the identity of an individual seeking to open an account) from accepting any form of identification of an individual other than: (1) either: (a) a social security card accompanied by a photo identification card issued by the Federal or a state government; or (b) a state drivers license or identification card, provided that the state is in compliance with the REAL ID Act; (2) a U.S. or foreign passport; or (3) a photo identification card issued by DHS (through USCIS). Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) was the measures main sponsor.

2007-2008: Voted to prevent illegal aliens from voting in union elections.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of a Motion to Recommit H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007. The Motion to Recommit would have recommitted H.R. 800 to the Committee on Education and Labor with instructions to report the bill back to the House with an amendment that would require that all employees allowed to vote in union elections be citizens or legal residents of the United States. Although some Representatives voted against the Motion to Recommit because it would have delayed final passage of the bill, a vote in favor of the Motion to Recommit was clearly a vote in favor of interior enforcement and against allowing illegal aliens to vote in union elections. The Motion to Recommit failed by a vote of 202-225.

2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to prevent illegal aliens from receiving Social Security payments for illegal work (Rohrabacher).
Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 736, the No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act of 2007. This bill would have prohibited an illegal aliens work from counting toward qualifying for Social Security; and would have stipulated that this prohibition is not applicable retroactively, so that all benefits already granted would not have been affected. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) was the measures main sponsor.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The bill passed the Senate 51-50 and later passed the House 218-214).

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $70 billion for border security efforts, including $46.5 for the border wall. (The legislation passed the House 215-214).

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 House 216-214 and the Senate 51-48).

The FLASH Act (by Juan Ciscomani, R-AZ) would permit border states to install temporary structures along the U.S. - Mexico border and would require DHS to construct navigable roads on federal lands to deter illegal immigration.

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (by Juan Ciscomani, R-AZ) 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 bill passed 264-155 and will be considered by the Senate.)

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) 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 House 217-215, setting up a conference with the Senate).

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to strengthen border security
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). 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.

2020: Voted against H.R. 5581, the Access to Counsel Act, to preserve border security Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5581, the Access to Counsel Act, introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). The legislation would require adequate time to access counsel for all aliens referred for secondary inspection at ports of entry. In doing so, it would slow down processing at ports of entry and redirect resources that could otherwise be used for border security.

2018: Voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), to strengthen border security Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. H.R. 4760 would have ended chain migration and the visa lottery, reducing legal immigration by approximately 300,000 per year. The legislation would have also strengthened border security, closed loopholes that lead to asylum fraud, mandated E-Verify, and ended sanctuary cities. The legislation also would have granted amnesty to approximately 700,000 DACA recipients.

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) to strengthen border security Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. This legislation would strengthen border security by granting Border Patrol officers access to federal lands. The bill would also authorize funding for the hiring of additional Border Patrol officers and the construction of border fencing.

2014: Cosponsored legislation to combat border surge (Chaffetz) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 5137, Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2014, which represents one of the most thorough responses to the surge of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) at the Southwest border. Aside from repealing the requirements that resulted in UACs from contiguous countries receiving differing treatment than those from noncontiguous countries, this bill requires immigration officers to order all illegal entrants removed upon screening, absent an asylum claim. In order to encourage cooperation with return, foreign countries who resist repatriation will face cuts to foreign assistance. The definition of UAC is also limited further to those who do not have a parent, legal guardian, sibling over 18, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or cousin in the U.S. Further, the deadline before notification and transfer of UACs to Health and Human Services (HHS) is extended, and HHS is required to share details of the children and those with whom the children are placed with DHS. Additional judges and immigration attorneys are added in an attempt to address the current surge, while CBP is granted unimpeded access to Federal land, which includes the construction of tactical infrastructure. Finally, various changes are made to the asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile visa, and parole systems to severely limit fraud and abuse, while protecting those with legitimate claims.

2012: Voted against an amendment to hamstring border enforcement in 2012 (Grijalva) Rep. Bilirakis voted against the Grijalva amendment to H.R. 2578, legislation to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This amendment would have stripped provisions that allow the Border Patrol to bypass regulations put in place by the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture on federal lands within 100 miles of the border. The amendments sponsor is Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and it failed 177-247 (19 June 2012).

2012: Opposed an amendment to place cell towers on the border (Poe) Rep. Bilirakis opposed the Poe Amendment to the FY2013 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would allocate funding for the building of cell phone towers along stretches of the U.S. - Mexico border so that Border Patrol agents and others in trouble can call law enforcement for assistance. The amendment passed by a vote of 302-113 (6 June 2012).

2011: Opposed an amendment to build cell phone towers along the U.S. - Mexico border (Poe) Rep. Bilirakis opposed the Poe Amendment to the FY 2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would allocate funding for the building of cell phone towers along stretches of the U.S. - Mexico border so that Border Patrol agents and others in trouble can call law enforcement for assistance. The amendment passed by a vote of 327-93 (1 June 2011).

2011: Cosponsoring legislation to strengthen interior and border security Rep. Bilirakis has cosponsored H.R. 1274, the Keeping the Pledge on Immigration Act. The legislation would, among its numerous provisions, this legislation would: provide up to 4,000 additional national guard troops patrolling the southern border; reaffirm language mandating operational control of the border as defined in the 2006 Secure Fence Act; provide double and even triple layer fencing by September 30, 2014; organize rapid deployment unites to respond to UAE and radar detection alerts; complete of the automated exit control system by September 30, 2015; and provide additional visa security screening for high risk visas including in-person interviews and data sharing. Furthermore, this legislation includes Rep. Marsha Blackburns Clear Act (H.R.100) to clarify authority and increase resources for state and local law enforcement (on a voluntary basis) to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. Click here for a summary of the Clear Act and here for a legal justification. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) is the bills main sponsor.

2010: Working to create jobs for unemployed Americans by increasing border security and stopping the flow of illegal aliens. Rep. Bilirakis is a member of the Reclaim American Jobs Caucus, which aims to highlight the correlation between the employment of illegal aliens and the unemployment of American workers.

2010: Cosponsored a pro-border enforcement resolution (Chaffetz/Kratovil).
Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H. Res. 1026, the Bipartisan Reform of Immigration through Defining Good Enforcement Resolution. This resolution, whose main sponsors are Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.), calls for the House to pass a bill mandating the use of the E-Verify system, to pass a bill ensuring that Americas borders are fully secure, and to oppose all amnesty bills in 2010.

2009-2010: Cosponsored the SAVE Act to increase border control funding and to increase the number of agents (Shuler).
Rep. Bilirakis is cosponsored H.R. 3308, which increases the number of border patrol agents, provides more funding for the Tunnel Task Force, provides for new and updated border security, surveillance, communication, and apprehension technology, improves border security infrastructure, and empowers governors in border states to declare a border emergency and request temporary redeployment of up to 1000 additional Border Patrol Agents. Rep. Heath Shuler (R-N.C.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2009-2010: Supported an amendment to deter illegal immigration and drug smuggling by removing lookout posts for smugglers.
Rep. Bilirakis supported the King amendment (250) to H.R. 2892, the 2010 DHS appropriations bill. This amendment requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove the lookout posts constructed by drug smugglers, thereby making it more difficult for drug smugglers and reducing illegal immigration associated with illegal drug activity. This amendment passed 240-187-1.

2008: Signed Discharge Petition to move H.R. 4088, a bill to mandate the use of the E-Verify employment verification system, to the House floor.
Rep. Bilirakis signed the Discharge Petition on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act, to require use of the electronic employment eligibility verification system, E-Verify. If the petition collects 218 signatures, a simple majority, the bill can bypass the committee process and be placed on the House floor for a vote.

2007-2008: Cosponsoring the SAVE Act to strengthen border control by increasing the number of Border Patrol agents (Shuler).
Rep. Bilirakis is cosponsoring H.R. 4088, the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007. The SAVE Act would increase border security by: increasing the number of border patrol agents; providing more funding for the Tunnel Task Force; providing for new and updated border security, surveillance, communication, and apprehension technology; improving border security infrastructure; and empowering governors in border states to declare a border emergency and request temporary redeployment of up to 1,000 additional Border Patrol Agents. Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored resolution calling on President to enforce border control laws (Smith).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of H. Res. 499, which calls on the Bush Administration to implement mandated border controls, such as the implementation of entry and exit portions of US-VISIT, and completion of the fencing called for in the Secure Fence Act along the U.S.-Mexico border. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) is the main sponsor of this resolution.

2007-2008: Voted in favor of an amendment to increasing funding for the construction of a border fence.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Brown-Waite amendment to HR 2638. This amendment re-directs $89 million set to be appropriated to the Undersecretary for Managements account to the Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology Account, with a view towards constructing at least 700 miles of fencing along the southern border. The amendment was adopted 241-179.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $170 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The bill passed the House 218-214, after passing the Senate 51-50).

The District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act (by Clay Higgins, R-LA) would require Washington, D.C. to share immigration status with federal authorities and to comply with ICE immigration detainers. (The legislation passed 224-194.)

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides $80 billion for interior enforcement, including funding for 10,000 additional ICE officers, 100,000 additional beds, additional prosecutors and immigration judges, and funds to apply expedited removal to any alien inadmissible on criminal or security grounds. (The legislation passed the House 215-214).

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 House 216-214 and the Senate 51-48).

The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) 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 House 217-215, setting up a conference with the Senate).

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

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.)

The Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (by Nancy Mace, SC) 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 bill passed 274-145 and has not yet been considered by the Senate.)

The Laken Riley Act (by Mike Collins, R-GA) 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 264-159, but was not considered by the Senate which focused on passing its own version, S. 5.)

2023: Voted for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, to increase interior enforcement
Rep. Bilirakis voted for H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, introduced by Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). The legislation would give legal standing to states to sue the federal government over its non-enforcement of immigration laws.  The legislation also mandates the detention of illegal aliens for selected crimes.  The legislation passed the House, 251-170.

2024: Voted in favor of H.R. 5717, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act

Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 5717, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, introduced by Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY). The legislation bars localities that ignore ICE immigration detainer requests from receiving federal funds that are intended to benefit illegal aliens.

2023: Voted in favor or H.R. 2494 to strengthen interior enforcement
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 2494, the POLICE Act, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.). The legislation would make attacking a law enforcement officer a deportable offense.

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to mandate E-Verify and criminalize visa overstays
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.). 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.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, introduced by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.). The legislation would halt enforcement for any illegal alien who could be eligible for the amnesty, regardless of whether the alien has applied or meets the qualifications. Further, it would block ICE access to amnesty applications that are denied.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would halt enforcement efforts against any illegal alien who could qualify for the amnesties regardless if the alien has applied or not.

2019: Voted against H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would have granted amnesty to approximately 1.5 million illegal farm workers and their families, while waiving many inadmissibility restrictions. It also would have expanded the H-2A guest worker program by setting aside 20,000 visas for year-round work traditionally held by American workers. Further, it would have created 40,000 new green cards for longtime H-2A workers and other low-skilled foreign workers.

2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Bilirakis 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 against H.R. 3401, the border crisis supplemental funding bill that would have facilitated the continued trafficking of children along the Southern border Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 3401 on the House floor. The bill failed to include payroll funding for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who are dealing with the ongoing border crisis. The bill also lacked funding for additional detention space and failed to address the root causes of the border surge, guaranteeing the need for future spending bills.

2019: Voted against H.R. 6 to oppose weakening enforcement on House floor Rep. Bilirakis voted against H.R. 6 on the House floor that would have granted amnesty to approximately 3.6 million illegal aliens. The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately to illegal aliens prima facia, meaning it suspends interior enforcement during the time the amnesty is being granted. The bill passed the House by a vote on 237-to-187.

2019: Voted against the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Bilirakis voted against 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 H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), to mandate E-Verify Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. H.R. 4760 would have ended chain migration and the visa lottery, reducing legal immigration by approximately 300,000 per year. The legislation would have also strengthened border security, closed loopholes that lead to asylum fraud, mandated E-Verify, and ended sanctuary cities. The legislation also would have granted amnesty to approximately 700,000 DACA recipients.

2018: Cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) to mandate E-Verify and end sanctuary cities Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 4760, the Securing Americas Future Act. This legislation would require all employers to use E-Verify within 2 years. The bill would also require full implementation of the biometric entry-exit system at all ports of entry and strengthen existing law that prohibit sanctuary cities.

2017: Voted in favor of legislation to withhold funds from sanctuary cities Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. This legislation expands the definition of sanctuary cities and withholds DOJ and DHS grants from them, clarifies the authority of ICE detainers and grants State and local law enforcement immunity for complying with detainer requests, and expands the authority of the Secretary of DHS to detain certain criminal aliens. The bills main sponsor is Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.).

2017: Sponsored legislation to strengthen interior enforcement (Bilirakis) Rep. Bilirakis has sponsored H.R. 1129, the Student Visa Security Improvement Act. The legislation would require DHS employees to review the applications, conduct in-person interviews where appropriate, and conduct on-site reviews of applications and supporting documentation with respect to student and exchange program visa applicants prior to final visa adjudication. The bill was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.).

2015: Sponsored legislation to strengthen interior enforcement (Bilirakis) Rep. Bilirakis has sponsored H.R. 4089, the Student Visa Security Improvement Act. The legislation would require DHS employees to review the applications, conduct in-person interviews where appropriate, and conduct on-site reviews of applications and supporting documentation with respect to student and exchange program visa applicants prior to final visa adjudication. The bill was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.).

2015: Weakens interior enforcement by expanding visa waiver program (Heck) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored Rep. Joe Hecks Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act, H.R.1401, would allow the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive the maximum refusal rate to allow a certain country to qualify for the visa waiver program. The visa waiver program allows citizens from qualifying countries to legally enter the United States without a visa.

2015: Cosponsored legislation to curtail border surge (Carter) Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 1149, the Protection of Children Act of 2015, which takes excellent steps to resolve the surge of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) along the Southwest border. First, it removes the requirement that only UACs from contiguous countries receive expedited removal. In addition, children are no longer required to make their own independent decision to withdraw their applications for admission, and immigration officers who determine such children are inadmissible may withdraw their applications and return them to their home countries. The transfer time of UACs to HHS is extended to allow for review, and various improvements are made to the SIJ visa and asylum programs. Notably, this bill requires detailed information to be reported to DHS regarding the individuals with whom UACs are placed, including name, social security number, and immigration status. DHS is required to then investigate those with unknown immigration status and initiate removal proceedings on those unlawfully present. The bills main sponsor is Rep. John Carter (R-Tex.).

2015: Cosponsoring H.R. 1148 to increase interior enforcement Rep. Bilirakis is cosponsoring H.R. 1148, the Michael Davis, Jr. in Honor of State and Local Law Enforcement Act, sponsored by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC). This bill was known as the SAFE Act in the previous Congress. This legislation would empower local law enforcement agents to enforce federal immigration laws. This legislation also requires 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.

2014: Voted in Favor of Amendment to Investigate Release of Illegal Aliens Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the King amendment to H.R. 4660, the Commerce, Science, and Justice Appropriations Bill. This amendment would appropriate $5 million for the Justice Department to investigate the release of 36,007 illegal aliens with criminal convictions by DHS. The amendment passed 218-193.

2014: Voted in favor of amendment to deprive sanctuary cities of funds Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the King amendment to H.R. 4460, the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill. This amendment would deprive sanctuary cities of funds due to them from enforcing federal immigration laws. Sanctuary cities are localities that do not notify federal authorities when illegal aliens are arrested, thereby acting as safe harbors for illegal aliens. The amendment passed 214-194.

2011: Supported an amendment to keep violent illegal aliens in custody (Cravaack) Rep. Bilirakis supported the Cravaack Amendment to the FY 2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. Rep. Cravaacks amendment would prevent the government from releasing convicted violent or dangerous illegal aliens while they are awaiting deportation. The amendment passed 289-131 (2 June 2011).

2011: Opposed an amendment to defund the 287(g) program (Polis) Rep. Bilirakis opposed the Polis Amendment to H.R. 2017, the FY2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. Rep. Polis amendment would have removed all funding for the 287(g) program from the bill, thereby preventing DHS from administering the program (effectively killing the 287(g) program). The amendment failed by a vote of 313-107 (2 June 2011).

2011: Voted in favor of an amendment to increase 287(g) funding (Royce) Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Royce Amendment to H.R. 2017, the FY2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would increase funding for the 287(g) program by $1 million (about 18.5%). The amendment passed by a vote of 268-151 (1 June 2011).

None

2011: Cosponsoring the CLEAR Act, which reduces illegal immigration by giving aid to law enforcement agencies to help them enforce our current laws (Blackburn).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2011 (H.R. 100), which reimburses local law enforcement agencies for the costs associated with incarcerating illegal aliens. The CLEAR Act also recognizes local law enforcements authority to help enforce immigration law, improves information sharing between local law enforcement agencies and the federal government, and requires the federal government to expeditiously remove criminal illegal aliens. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2010: Working to create jobs for unemployed Americans by increasing interior enforcement and mandating the use of E-Verify. Rep. Bilirakis is a member of the Reclaim American Jobs Caucus, which aims to highlight the correlation between the employment of illegal aliens and the unemployment of American workers.

2010: Cosponsored a pro-interior enforcement resolution (Chaffetz/Kratovil).
Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H. Res. 1026, the Bipartisan Reform of Immigration through Defining Good Enforcement Resolution. This resolution, whose main sponsors are Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.), calls for the House to pass a bill mandating the use of the E-Verify system, to pass a bill ensuring that Americas borders are fully secure, and to oppose all amnesty bills in 2010.

2009-2010: Cosponsored the SAVE Act, which requires all employers to use the E-Verify employment verification system (Shuler).
Rep. Bilirakis cosponsored H.R. 3308, which helps reduce illegal immigration by requiring every employer in the United States to use the E-Verify system to verify that every employee has the legal right to work in the United States. It also contains other interior enforcement measures, such as increasing the number of ICE agents and training at least 250 State and local law enforcement officers on federal immigration enforcement procedures. Rep. Heath Shuler (R-N.C.) was the main sponsor of this bill.

2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to require DHS contractors to use E-Verify.
Rep. Bilirakis supported the King amendment (253) to H.R. 2892, the DHS appropriations bill. The amendment requires all DHS contractors and subcontractors to use the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. The King Amendment would have essentially implemented an Executive Order signed by President George W. Bush requiring all federal contractors to use E-Verify that has continually been postponed by President Obama. Use of E-Verify is one of the most effective tools at keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The amendment passed 349-84, and the bill was signed into law October 28th, 2009.

2009-2010: Cosponsoring the CLEAR Act, which will reimburse law enforcement agencies as they implement our current immigration laws (Blackburn).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal Act of 2009. This bill will make sure local law enforcement agencies are reimbursed for the costs associated with incarcerating illegal aliens. The CLEAR Act also recognizes local law enforcements authority to help enforce immigration law, improves information sharing between local law enforcement agencies and the federal government, and requires the federal government to expeditiously remove criminal illegal aliens. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is the bills main sponsor.

2008: Voted for a bill that continues employment verification.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of H.R. 6633, a bill to reauthorize the E-Verify program for a period of 5 years. The E-Verify program allows businesses to determine the legal status of new hires and prevents illegal aliens from being hired, thus making the program an important tool in the Attrition through Enforcement anti-illegal immigration strategy. The bill passed by a vote of 407-2.

2008: Voted in favor of punishing sanctuary cities.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of a motion to H.R. 5719, the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act. This motion would have recommitted H.R. 5719 with instructions to add language to deny tax exempt interest with respect to bonds of sanctuary states and cities, thereby putting pressure on cities that do not enforce immigration laws and cities who do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters. This motion failed by a vote of 210-210.

2008: Signed Discharge Petition to move H.R. 4088, a bill to mandate the use of the E-Verify employment verification system, to the House floor.
Rep. Bilirakis signed the Discharge Petition on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act, to require use of the electronic employment eligibility verification system, E-Verify. If the petition collects 218 signatures, a simple majority, the bill can bypass the committee process and be placed on the House floor for a vote.

2007-2008: Cosponsoring the SAVE Act to strengthen border control by increasing the number of Border Patrol agents (Shuler).
Rep. Bilirakis is cosponsoring H.R. 4088, the Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007. The SAVE Act would increase border security by: increasing the number of border patrol agents; providing more funding for the Tunnel Task Force; providing for new and updated border security, surveillance, communication, and apprehension technology; improving border security infrastructure; and empowering governors in border states to declare a border emergency and request temporary redeployment of up to 1,000 additional Border Patrol Agents. Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) is the main sponsor of this bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored the CLEAR Act, which reduces illegal immigration with interior enforcement (Blackburn).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of the Charlie Norwood CLEAR Act of 2007 to clarify state and local law enforcements ability to enforce immigration laws. If enacted, H.R. 3494 would reduce the flow of new illegal aliens into the United States and also begin to slowly and steadily reducing the current illegal population. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is the main sponsor of the bill.

2007-2008: Cosponsored resolution calling on President to enforce interior enforcement laws (Smith).
Rep. Bilirakis is a cosponsor of H. Res. 499, a resolution calling on the Bush Administration to implement mandated immigration controls such as the implementation of the entry and exit portions of US-VISIT, the enforcement of existing provisions requiring the sanctioning of employers who do not comply with unlawful employment laws, and increasing the use of expedited removal procedures for all illegal aliens eligible for such removal under Federal law. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) is the main sponsor of this resolution.

2007-2008: Voted on House floor for amendment to fully fund the training of immigration enforcement officers.
Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the Drake Amendment to H.R. 2638, the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The Drake Amendment would fully fund the presidents budget request ($26.4 million) for the training and support for the voluntary participation of local law enforcement officers in immigration law enforcement. This amendment passed 286-127.

2007: Voted for 2nd Tancredo Amendment to H.R. 2638, thereby voting to hold cities with sanctuary policies accountable. Rep. Bilirakis voted in favor of the amendment to H.R. 2638. The amendment prohibits funds pursuant to this bill from being distributed to states and localities that have sanctuary policies in place that prohibit or inhibit communications between Federal and state/local authorities. The amendment passed 234-189 on June 15

2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to reduce funding for the visa waiver program.
Rep. Bilirakis voted against the first Tancredo amendment to H.R. 2638, which would prohibit funding from H.R. 2638 from being used to fund the visa waiver program. This amendment failed 76-347.