2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Obernolte 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.

2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Obernolte 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.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to increase guest workers Rep. Obernolte 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.

2022: Voted against H.R. 2471 to block increases in H-2B and EB-5 visas Rep. Obernolte 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.

2021: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Obernolte 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.

Rep. Obernolte co-sponsored the REMAIN in Mexico Act (H.R. 273) to require DHS to reimplement the Migration Protection Protocols.

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: Sponsored H.R. 597 to close several asylum loopholes
Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 597, the Stop the Cartels Act, introduced by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio). The legislation would fix the current credible fear standards for asylum and prevent felons, most inadmissible aliens, previous deportees, and habitual residents of Central America, where there are refugee processing centers, from asylum.

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to reduce Asylum Fraud
Rep. Obernolte 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: Voted in favor of H.R. 3985 to increase refugee resettlement Rep. Obernolte 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.

2022: Sponsored H.R. 8685 to grant amnesty to Afghan evacuees Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 8685, the Afghan Adjustment Act, introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). The legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 75,000 Afghan evacuees and their family members who were paroled into the United States and arent eligible for other programs offered for translators and others who assisted U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 1901 to close asylum loopholes Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 1901, the Stopping Border Surges Act, introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.). The bill would close asylum loopholes, including 1) to allow UACs from noncontiguous countries to be returned to their home country, 2) fix the Flores Settlement Agreement, 3) strengthens the credible fear standard, 4) eliminates the safe third-country requirements for returning asylum-seekers, 5) limits asylum claims to ports of entry only, along with other asylum fixes.

2025: (Jan. 22) Rep. Obernolte 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. 07) Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29) to prevent a type of amnesty through abuse of parole.
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.)

2023: Sponsored H.R. 3442 to grant amnesty to children of nonimmigrants
Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 3442, the Protecting Children of Long-Term Visa Holders Act of 2023, introduced by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.). The legislation would give permanent resident status to non-admissible and non-deportable aliens who are dependent children of nonimmigrants if they have been lawfully present in the U.S. for at least ten years and graduated college.

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to prevent amnesties for illegal border crossers
Rep. Obernolte 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. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Obernolte 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. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to grant amnesty to illegal aliens Rep. Obernolte 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. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Obernolte 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.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 1901 to reduce amnesty enticements by closing asylum loopholes Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 1901, the Stopping Border Surges Act, introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.). The bill would close asylum loopholes, including 1) to allow UACs from noncontiguous countries to be returned to their home country, 2) fix the Flores Settlement Agreement, 3) strengthens the credible fear standard, 4) eliminates the safe third-country requirements for returning asylum-seekers, 5) limits asylum claims to ports of entry only, along with other asylum fixes.

Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the SAVE Act (H.R. 22) to require states to verify the citizenship status of voters.

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. Obernolte 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: Voted against H.R. 5376 to grant amnesty to illegal aliens and issue additional green cards Rep. Obernolte 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.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 5854 to block payments to illegal aliens Rep. Obernolte 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.

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

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

Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35) to make evading CBP a criminal offense.

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.)

Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) in the House Budget Committee to fund border security.

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 committee 21-16, setting up a House floor vote).

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

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: Sponsored H.R. 597 to overhaul the Flores Settlement Agreement
Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 597, the Stop the Cartels Act, introduced by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio). The legislation would overhaul the Flores Settlement Agreement closing a major border security loophole.

2023: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to strengthen border security
Rep. Obernolte 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.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 336 to require border wall construction
Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 336, the Finish the Wall Act, introduced by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.). The legislation would require the immediate resumption of border wall construction and require fingerprints for all adults at CBP facilities.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 4593 to appropriate funds to states for border security Rep. Obernolte sponsore dH.R> 4593, the Securing Our Border States Act, introduced by Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas). The legislation would appropriate $22 billion for Southwest border states to help construct barriers along the southern border.

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

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

Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) in the House Budget Committee to fund interior enforcement.

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 committee 21-16, setting up a House floor vote).

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

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).

Rep. Obernolte co-sponsored the Deport Alien Gang Members Act (H.R. 175) to make gang association a deportable offense.
The Deport Alien Gang Members Act (by Tom McClintock, CA) would make aliens deportable from and inadmissible to the United States if there is reason to believe that an individual is or was a criminal gang member or has aided such a group's illegal activities.

2025: (Jan. 22) Rep. Obernolte 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.)

Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (H.R. 30) to make various forms of domestic abuse a deportable offense.

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.)

2025: (Jan. 07) Rep. Obernolte voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29) to strengthen detention requirements and give states the ability to sue the federal government for not enforcing immigration laws.
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.)

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

Rep. Obernolte 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: Sponsored H.R. 597 to block funding for sanctuary jurisdictions
Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 597, the Stop the Cartels Act, introduced by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio). The legislation would end federal financial assistance for sanctuary jurisdictions, including those restricting detainment compliance. Jurisdictions’ sanctuary status would be determined yearly.

2023: Voted in favor or H.R. 2494 to strengthen interior enforcement
Rep. Obernolte 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. Obernolte 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. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Obernolte 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.

2021: Voted Against H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act to weaken interior enforcement Rep. Obernolte 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: Sponsored H.R. 78, the Legal Workforce Act, to require employers to use E-Verify Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 78, introduced by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.). The legislation would require all employers to use the E-Verify workplace verification system to screen all new hires within 2 years. The legislation would also increase fines for businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers and allow for blocking the use of misused Social Security numbers.

2021: Sponsored H.R. 5759 to add certain sex crimes to list of deportable offenses 

Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 5759, the Be GONE Act, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). The legislation would add sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence to the aggravated felony list.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 661 to require detention of illegal aliens charged with serious crimes
Rep. Obernolte sponsored H.R. 661, Sarah's Law, introduced by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa). The legislation would require the detention of illegal aliens who have been charged with a crime that results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.