1%
F-
Challenge Status Quo and Support Great Solutions
119th Congress (2025-2026) Support Great Solutions
F- (0%)
118th Congress (2023-2024) Support Great Solutions
F- (0%)
117th Congress (2021-2022) Challenge Status Quo
F- (0%)
116th Congress (2019-2020) Challenge Status Quo
F- (0%)
115th Congress (2017-2018) Challenge Status Quo
F- (0%)
114th Congress (2015-2016) Challenge Status Quo
F- (0%)
113th Congress (2013-2014) Challenge Status Quo
F (10%)
112th Congress (2011-2012) Challenge Status Quo
F- (0%)
0%
F-
Reduce Chain Migration
119th Congress (2025-2026) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Reduce Chain Migration
F- (0%)
2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to increase chain migration with new green cards.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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.
117th Congress (2021-2022) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014) Reduce Chain Migration
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to expand chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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.
112th Congress (2011-2012) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010) Reduce Chain Migration
no action
100%
A+
Reduce Visa Lottery
119th Congress (2025-2026) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014) Reduce Visa Lottery
A+ (100%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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).
112th Congress (2011-2012) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010) Reduce Visa Lottery
no action
0%
F-
Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
119th Congress (2025-2026) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to greatly increase unnecessary workers.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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.
117th Congress (2021-2022) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2022: Voted in favor of H.R. 2471 to increase in H-2B and EB-5 visas Sen. Warner 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.
116th Congress (2019-2020) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2020: Voted in favor of H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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.
115th Congress (2017-2018) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Omnibus Spending Bill to increase H-2B visas Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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 increasing H-2B visas (Tillis) Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 792, the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017. This legislation would exempt returning H-2B workers from the past three years from the annual cap of 66,000. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Thom Tillis (R-UT).
114th Congress (2015-2016) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2015: Cosponsored legislation to quadruple H-2B visas (Tillis) Sen. Warner has cosponsored S. 2225, the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2015. This legislation would exempt foreign workers who have received an H-2B guest-worker visa in any of the past three years from the current years annual limits. This would potentially quadruple the number of H-2B visas issued each year from 65,000 to 260,000. The bill was introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Warner 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 in favor of H.R. 2146 to grant President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Sen. Warner 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 Adjustment Assistance and one dealing with the TransPacific Partnership. As a result, when the legislation came back to the Senate for a final vote, the Senate had to attach the TPA language to another House-originated bill, H.R. 2146 and vote to pass that legislation). This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 2146 passed the Senate by a vote of 60-38.
2015: Voted in favor of granting President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority in 2015 Sen. Warner voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 1314. This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 1314 passed the Senate by a vote of 62-37.
2015: Cosponsoring legislation to increase foreign worker numbers in 2015 Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 1339, the Partner with Korea Act. This legislation would create 150,000 non-immigrant work visas designated for citizens of South Korea under the E-4 visa program. The work permits are an addition to current levels.
2015: Voted as part of Senate Finance Committee in favor of Trade Promotion Authority to potentially expand immigration and harm American workers Sen. Warner voted as part of the Senate Finance Committee against S. 995, the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill. S. 995 would allow the President in trade treaties to commit America to giving guaranteed numbers of U.S. jobs to foreign workers without Congress approval. It would potentially tie the hands of Members of Congress to keep them from changing immigration numbers to best serve American workers. The Obama Administration (or subsequent Administrations) could use the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement to commit America to immigration increases that Congress has neither debated nor approved, thus further reducing the jobs available to U.S. workers and instead reserving certain jobs for foreign workers under the agreement. S. 995 passed the House Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 20-6.
2015: Cosponsoring S. 181 to increase STEM workers (Moran) Sen. Warner is a cosponsor of S. 181, the Startup Act. This bill would establish 125,000 new conditional permanent resident visas: 50,000 for graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and 75,000 for qualified immigrant entrepreneurs. STEM graduates must remain “actively engaged†in a STEM field for 5 years in order to retain the visa, which includes a year of diligently searching for employment and the remaining years employed in the U.S. in a STEM field. Those who lose their jobs have a 6-month period to find a new job in a STEM field, as long as their unemployment follows at least a year of employment. These individuals will not be eligible for any form of public benefit for the duration of the visa. Following a 6-year period, the condition of the immigrant’s permanent residence is removed. The bill’s main sponsor is Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).
113th Congress (2013-2014) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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.
2013: Cosponsoring S. 310, introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran, to increase foreign workers (STEM and entrepreneur) Rep. Warner is a cosponsor of S. 310, the Startup Act 3.0. This bill would establish 125,000 new conditional permanent resident visas: 50,000 for graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and 75,000 for qualified immigrant entrepreneurs. STEM graduates must remain “actively engaged†in a STEM field for 5 years in order to retain the visa, which includes a year of diligently searching for employment and the remaining years employed in the U.S. in a STEM field. Those who lose their jobs have a 6-month period to find a new job in a STEM field, as long as their unemployment follows at least a year of employment. These individuals will not be eligible for any form of public benefit for the duration of the visa. Following a 6-year period, the condition of the immigrant’s permanent residence is removed. The bill’s main sponsor is Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).
112th Congress (2011-2012) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2011: Cosponsoring legislation to displace American workers Sen. Warner is cosponsoring S. 3217, the Startup Act 2.0. This legislation would would create 50,000 new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) work visas for foreign students who graduate from a U.S. college with a masters degree or a Ph.D each year. The foreign students automatically earn 1-year work visa upon graduation and earn an additional 4-years if they are actively engaged at the end of the first year. At the end of the 5 year period, the foreign workers will be able for legal permanent worker status. The bill also creates a new visa program for 75,000 new immigrant entrepreneurs -- individuals who already hold an H-1B visa or a STEM degree would be allowed 4 years to remain in the U.S. and operate a new business. During the first year, the immigrant entrepreneur must start a business that employs at least 2 full-time U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and invest or raise at least $100,000 of capital. In years 2-4, the business must employ at least 5 Americans or legal permanent residents. The legislations main sponsors are Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
2011: Cosponsored the Startup Act to displace American workers Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 1965. the Startup Act of 2011. This legislation would create 50,000 new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) visas for foreign students who graduate from a U.S. college with a masters degree or a Ph.D. The bill also creates a new visa program for 75,000 new immigrant entrepreneurs -- individuals who already hold an H-1B visa and would be allowed 3 extra years to remain in the U.S. and operate a new business. The legislations main sponsors are Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
111th Congress (2009-2010) Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
F- (0%)
2009-2010: Cosponsored a bill to increase the number of H-2B workers (Mikulski).
Sen. Warner cosponsored the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2009 (S. 388). The bill would have allowed an alien to return as an H-2B nonimmigrant worker without counting against the annual 66,000 cap if they had used an H-2B visa during one of the three previous fiscal years, effectively tripling the number of H-2B workers. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) is the bills main sponsor.
0%
F-
Refugees & Asylees
119th Congress (2025-2026) Refugees & Asylees
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Refugees & Asylees
F- (0%)
2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to reduce asylum fraud.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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.
117th Congress (2021-2022) Refugees & Asylees
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020) Refugees & Asylees
F- (0%)
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Cosponsored S. 292, the Keep Families Together Act, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 292, the Keep Families Together Act of 2019. This legislation would effectively bar the removal of a child from a parent within 100 miles of the border, creating a large incentive for more illegal aliens to attempt to come to the United States and take advantage of children to do so.
115th Congress (2017-2018) Refugees & Asylees
F- (0%)
2017: Cosponsored legislation nullifying Pres. Trumps Refugee Resettlement executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 608. This legislation would nullify Pres. Trumps Jan. 27, 2017 executive order that reduced the refugee cap from 85,000 to 50,000 for FY17. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
2017: Cosponsored legislation to nullify President Trumps refugee executive order (Feinstein) Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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.).
114th Congress (2015-2016) Refugees & Asylees
F- (0%)
2015: Voted for the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase refugee resettlement Sen. Warner 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.
113th Congress (2013-2014) Refugees & Asylees
no action
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase refugee and asylum fraud (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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.
112th Congress (2011-2012) Refugees & Asylees
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010) Refugees & Asylees
no action
8%
F
Reduce Amnesty Enticements
119th Congress (2025-2026) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
B- (66%)
2025: (Jan. 20) Sen. Warner voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to prevent a type of amnesty through abuse of parole.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.)
2025: (Jan. 17) Sen. Warner voted in favor of cloture to allow the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to move to a final vote.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The 61-35 vote allowed the Senate to proceed to the final floor vote.)
2025: (Jan. 15) Sen. Warner voted in favor of the Coons amendment (S.Amdt. 23) to the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to remove states' ability to sue the federal government for granting a type of mass amnesty through abuse of parole.
This amendment (by Chris Coons, D-DE) to the Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) would have stripped out the provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by giving parole (a form of amnesty) to classes of inadmissible aliens instead of on a case by case basis. (The amendment failed 46-49.)
2025 (Jan. 09): Sen. Warner voted in favor of the first cloture on the Laken Riley Act (S. 5), to proceed to debate and amendments.
The Laken Riley Act (by Sen. Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision giving legal standing to states to sue the federal government if it abuses its authority by granting mass parole (a form of amnesty) instead of on a case by case basis. Sixty votes were necessary to overcome a filibuster. (The cloture vote passed 84-9, allowing the Senate to proceed with amending the legislation.)
118th Congress (2023-2024) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to grant amnesty to undocumented “Dreamers.”
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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.
117th Congress (2021-2022) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act, introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act. This legislation would give Legal Permanent Residency to all foreign citizens (mostly illegal aliens) who have received Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure, including those removed or deported pursuant to a voluntary departure order. Approximately 440,000 foreign citizens would receive LPR status under this bill.
115th Congress (2017-2018) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2018: Voted in favor of the McCain-Coons amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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).
114th Congress (2015-2016) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2015: Voted in favor of Attorney General nominee who supports amnesty Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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.
2015: Voted AGAINST FOURTH Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to defund Executive Amnesty Sen. Warner 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).
113th Congress (2013-2014) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2014: Voted Against Blocking Obamas Mass Amnesty Sen. Warner 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.Warner 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. Warner 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.
112th Congress (2011-2012) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2011: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty Sen. Warner is a cosponsor of S 952, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2011. S 952 would grant amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 35 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.
111th Congress (2009-2010) Reduce Amnesty Enticements
F- (0%)
2010: Voted in favor the DREAM Act, which would have rewarded illegal aliens with 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. Fortunately, the DREAM Act did not pass.
2010: Voted in favor the DREAM Act, which would have rewarded illegal aliens with 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. Fortunately, the DREAM Act did not pass.
No Action
Limit Birthright Citizenship
119th Congress (2025-2026) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
112th Congress (2011-2012) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010) Limit Birthright Citizenship
no action
0%
F-
Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
119th Congress (2025-2026) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
117th Congress (2021-2022) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
2021: Voted against Amdt. 54 to S. Con. Res. 5 to block stimulus payments to illegal aliens Sen. Warner voted against 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.
116th Congress (2019-2020) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
115th Congress (2017-2018) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
2015: Voted against an amendment to prevent illegal aliens receiving tax credits (Sessions) Sen. Warner voted against the Sessions amendment to S. Con. Res. 11 in the Senate Budget Committee. This legislation allows Congress to prevent illegal aliens from applying for and receiving the child tax credit.
113th Congress (2013-2014) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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.
112th Congress (2011-2012) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
F (6%)
2011: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty and in-state tuition Sen. Warner is a cosponsor of S 952, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors [DREAM] Act of 2011. S 952 would allow illegal aliens to pay in-state tuition at Americas public colleges and universities. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration.
111th Congress (2009-2010) Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
no action
2010: Voted against an amendment that supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Warner voted against 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 opposing the amendment, Sen. Warner has decided illegal aliens should not be punished for living and working illegally in the United States.
2010: Voted against an amendment that supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Warner voted against 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 opposing the amendment, Sen. Warner has decided illegal aliens should not be punished for living and working illegally in the United States.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment that prevented illegal aliens from acquiring credit cards.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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.
2%
F-
Strengthen Border Security
119th Congress (2025-2026) Strengthen Border Security
F- (0%)
Sen. Warner voted against the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) to fund border security.
The Senate-amended FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides between $175 - 200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the Senate 51-48 and later passed the House 216-214).
Sen. Warner co-sponsored the NO BAN Act (S. 391) to strictly limit presidential authority to limit or halt immigration.
The NO BAN Act (by Chris Coons, D-DE) would strictly limit the president’s broad authority found under 8 USC 1182(f) to stop immigration. The authority was used to limit travel into the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic and limit travel by citizens of and visitors to terrorist-producing countries.
Sen. Warner voted against the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) to fund border security.
The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the Senate 52-48, setting up a conference with the House).
Sen. Warner voted against the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) in the Senate Budget Committee to fund border security.
The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including border wall construction and additional agents. (The resolution passed the committee 11-10, setting up a Senate floor vote).
118th Congress (2023-2024) Strengthen Border Security
F (10%)
2024: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on S. 4361 to allow 5,000 illegal entries per day.
Sen. Warner 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: Sponsored S. 3591 to increase border security funding
Sen. Warner sponsored S. 3591, the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, introduced by Sen. Bob Casey (R-Pa.). This legislation would allocate $5 billion for border security efforts and criminalize the destruction of border security equipment and the evasion of border security controls.
2024: Voted in favor of S.Amdt.1388 to H.R.815 to allow 5,000 illegal entries per day.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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.
117th Congress (2021-2022) Strengthen Border Security
F- (0%)
2021: Voted against Amdt. 872 to S. Con. Res. 5 to fund border security and interior enforcement Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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.
116th Congress (2019-2020) Strengthen Border Security
F (6%)
2019: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
115th Congress (2017-2018) Strengthen Border Security
F (6%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken border security Sen. Warner 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).
114th Congress (2015-2016) Strengthen Border Security
no action
2015: Voted against McCain amdt to S. Con. Res. 11 to support expedited removal of illegal aliens Sen. Warner 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.
113th Congress (2013-2014) Strengthen Border Security
F- (5%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase border security (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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).
112th Congress (2011-2012) Strengthen Border Security
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010) Strengthen Border Security
F (6%)
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Warner voted against 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 opposing the amendment, Sen. Warner indicated that the border should remain porous, making it easier for individuals to cross the border illegally.
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted border security and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Warner voted against 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 opposing the amendment, Sen. Warner indicated that the border should remain porous, making it easier for individuals to cross the border illegally.
2010: Voted against an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. Warner 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 stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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 against an amendment to increase the number of men and women patrolling the border.
Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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 against an amendment that would have helped stop the flow of drugs across the border.
Sen. Warner 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 against an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. Warner Voted against 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. Fortunately, the DeMint amendment passed 54-44.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment to complete 700 miles of border fencing.
Sen. Warner Voted against 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. Fortunately, the DeMint amendment passed 54-44.
8%
F
Strengthen Interior Enforcement
119th Congress (2025-2026) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
C- (44%)
Sen. Warner voted against the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) to fund interior enforcement.
The Senate-amended FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Jodey Arrington, R-TX) provides between $175 - 200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the Senate 51-48 and later passed the House 216-214).
Sen. Warner voted against the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) to fund interior enforcement.
The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the Senate 52-48, setting up a conference with the House).
Sen. Warner voted against the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (S. Con. Res. 7) in the Senate Budget Committee to fund interior enforcement.
The FY 2025 Budget Resolution (by Lindsey Graham, R-SC) is the first step towards passing the House proposal to provide $200 billion for immigration enforcement, including the government's ability to detain and remove people who are not admissible to the United States. (The resolution passed the committee 11-10, setting up a Senate floor vote).
2025: (Jan. 20) Sen. Warner voted in favor of the Ernst amendment (S.Amdt. 8) to the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to expand the list of offenses that would require mandatory detention.
The amendment (by Joni Ernst, R-IA) to The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) added "assault of a law enforcement officer" and "any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person" to the list of offenses requiring mandatory detention. (The amendment passed 75-24 and was included in the final bill.)
2025: (Jan. 20) Sen. Warner voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act (S.5) to strengthen detention requirements and give states the ability to sue the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft, assault, and bodily harm; also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements"; 2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. The bill passed the Senate 64-35 and passed the House 263-156.
2025: (Jan. 17) Sen. Warner voted in favor of cloture to allow the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to move to a final vote.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft (burglary, larceny & shoplifting); also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements"; 2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The 61-35 vote allowed the Senate to proceed to the final floor vote.)
2025: (Jan. 15) Sen. Warner voted in favor of the Coons amendment (S.Amdt.23) to the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to remove states' ability to sue the federal government for failing to enforce immigration laws.
This amendment (by Chris Coons, D-DE) to the Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) would have stripped out the provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements"; 2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The amendment failed 46-49.)
2025 (Jan. 09): Sen. Warner voted in favor of the first cloture on the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) to proceed to debate and amendments.
The Laken Riley Act (by Katie Britt, R-AL) included a provision to require the detention of aliens who have been convicted or arrested for various forms of theft (burglary, larceny & shoplifting); also included provisions to give legal standing to states to sue the federal government for 1) violating "detention and removal requirements"; 2) releasing aliens that go on to harm the state or its residents; and 3) violating the requirement to discontinue visas to countries who refuse to take their citizens back. (The cloture vote passed 84-9, allowing the Senate to proceed with amending the legislation.)
118th Congress (2023-2024) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
F- (0%)
2023: Voted against S. Amdt. 110 to H.R. 3476 to mandate E-Verify and criminalize visa overstays
Sen. Warner 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.
117th Congress (2021-2022) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
no action
116th Congress (2019-2020) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
F- (0%)
2020: Voted in favor of H.R 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act on Senate floor Sen. Warner 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: Cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, to weaken enforcement and encourage border surges Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 2113, the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The bill would severely limit the separation of families, lock in the Flores Settlement Agreement limiting the amount of time minors can be detained, remove the federal prohibition on taxpayer-funded council for illegal aliens, and increases the number of immigration judges.
2019: Voted in favor of H.R. 1158, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Warner 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: Cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act, introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) Sen. Warner cosponsored S. 879, the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency Act. This legislation would give Legal Permanent Residency to all foreign citizens (mostly illegal aliens) who have received Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure, including those removed or deported pursuant to a voluntary departure order. Approximately 440,000 foreign citizens would receive LPR status under this bill.
2019: Voted in favor of the omnibus spending bill, H.J. Res. 31, to weaken interior enforcement Sen. Warner 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.
115th Congress (2017-2018) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
F- (0%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken interior enforcement Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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).
114th Congress (2015-2016) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
F (6%)
2016: Voted against beginning debate on legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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.).
113th Congress (2013-2014) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
F (9%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to mandate use of the E-Verify system (Schumer) Sen. Warner 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. Warner 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. Warner 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).
112th Congress (2011-2012) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010) Strengthen Interior Enforcement
F- (0%)
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Warner voted against 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 opposing the amendment, Sen. Warner indicated that illegal aliens should be allowed to live normally in the United States (including taking American jobs) without fear of arrest or deportation.
2010: Voted against an amendment that promoted interior enforcement and supported Arizonas immigration enforcement law.
Sen. Warner voted against 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 opposing the amendment, Sen. Warner indicated that illegal aliens should be allowed to live normally in the United States (including taking American jobs) without fear of arrest or deportation.
2009-2010: Voted for tabling an amendment that would have denied federal funding to states and localities with sanctuary policies for illegal aliens.
Sen. Warner 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. Warners 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. Warner 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. Warners vote essentially promoting sanctuaries for illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. Warner voted for 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. By attempting to table the Sessions amendment, Sen. Warner voted to give American jobs to illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted against an amendment to permanently reauthorize the E-Verify system.
Sen. Warner voted for 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. By attempting to table the Sessions amendment, Sen. Warner voted to give American jobs to illegal aliens.
2009-2010: Voted against employment verification by opposing a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. Warner voted in favor of 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 for the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. Warner opposed the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.
2009-2010: Voted against employment verification by opposing a 5 year extension of E-Verify.
Sen. Warner voted in favor of 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 for the tabling of Sen. Sessions amendment, Sen. Warner opposed the long-term reauthorization of E-Verify. The final vote was 50-47.
0%
F-
Leadership/Other Actions
119th Congress (2025-2026) Leadership/Other Actions
no action
118th Congress (2023-2024) Leadership/Other Actions
F- (0%)
2024: Signed letter urging additional H-2B visas
Sen. Warner cowrote a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to issue tens of thousands of additional H-2B visas.