Rep. Lawler co-sponsored the Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act (H.R. 2729) to expand the P visa program.

The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act (by Zoe Lofgren, D-CA) would add foreign carnival workers to the uncapped P Visa category.

Rep. Lawler co-sponsored the Keep STEM Talent Act (H.R. 2627) to issue green cards to foreign students who receive a master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field from a U.S. university.

The Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 (by Bill Foster, D-IL) would issue green cards to foreign graduates of U.S. universities who receive a master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 1787 to expand the P visa program
Rep. Lawler sponsored H.R. 1787, the Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). The legislation would add foreign carnival workers to the uncapped P Visa category.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 2827 to add South Korea to the E visa list
Rep. Lawler sponsored H.R. 2827, the Partner with Korea Act, introduced by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). The legislation would add South Korea to the list of countries eligible for the E visa, awarded to treaty traders and treaty investors. The expansion would be limited to 15,000 each year, plus spouses and children.

Rep. Lawler co-sponsored the Make the Migrant Protection Protocols Mandatory Act (H.R. 551) to require asylum seekers to remain in a contiguous country while their cases are adjudicated.

The Make the Migrant Protection Protocols Mandatory Act (by Roger Williams, R-TX) mandates the return of aliens arriving from a contiguous country pending their proceedings.

Rep. Lawler 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: Voted in favor of H.R. 2 to reduce Asylum Fraud
Rep. Lawler 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.

Rep. Lawler co-sponsored H.R. 1689 to require TPS for Haitian illegal aliens

H.R. 1689 (by Laura Gillen, D-NY) would require Temporary Protected Status for Haitian illegal aliens living in the United States be extended 18 months from the current expiration of August 3, 2025.
 

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

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

2023: Sponsored H.R. 3442 to grant amnesty to children of nonimmigrants
Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler 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.

Rep. Lawler voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H.R. 1) to restrict access to federal benefits and tax remittances.

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

Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler 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.

Rep. Lawler voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) to fund border security.

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

Rep. Lawler voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H.R. 1) to fund border security.

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

Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler co-sponsored the FLASH Act (H.R. 1820) to encourage border states’ enforcement of the U.S. - Mexico border.

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

Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler 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).

Rep. Lawler co-sponsored 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.
 

Rep. Lawler co-sponsored the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act (H.R. 263) to make illicit spotting a felony and increase penalties for alien smuggling.
The Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act (by Juan Ciscomani, R-AZ) would make illicit spotting and destruction of border controls a felony offense and reclassify alien smuggling while in possession of a firearm as a crime of violence.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 3602 to criminalize spotting and destruction of border barriers.
Rep. Lawler sponsored H.R. 3602, the Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.). The legislation would make illicit spotting and destruction of border controls a felony offense and reclassify alien smuggling while in possession of a firearm as a crime of violence.

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

Rep. Lawler voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) to fund interior enforcement.

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

Rep. Lawler voted in favor of the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act (H.R. 2056) to require Washington, D.C. to comply with immigration detainers.

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

Rep. Lawler voted in favor of the FY 2025 Budget Resolution (H.R. 1) to fund interior enforcement.

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

Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler co-sponsored the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act (H.R. 32) to disincentivize offering sanctuary from law enforcement to illegal aliens.
The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act (by Nick LaLota, R-NY) bars localities that ignore ICE immigration detainer requests from receiving federal funds that are intended to benefit illegal aliens.

Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler co-sponsored the POLICE Act (H.R. 31) to make assaulting a police officer a deportable offense.
The POLICE Act of 2025 (by Andrew Garbarino, R-NY) would make aliens deportable from the United States if they assault a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder.
 

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

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

2023: Co-sponsored H.R. 5717, the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act

Rep. Lawler cosponsored 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.

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

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

2023: Voted in favor or H.R. 2494 to strengthen interior enforcement
Rep. Lawler 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. Lawler 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.

2023: Sponsored H.R. 3693 to better inform States of migrant resettlements.
Rep. Lawler sponsored H.R. 3693, the Migrant Relocation Transparency Act, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.). The legislation would require advance consultation with State and local officials detailing efforts of resettlement, transportation, or relocation of non-detained aliens in the US, INCLUDING number, sex, age, country of origin, methods, settings, educational and operational resources, whether they'll have work permits and how those without will financially support themselves, amount of Federal resources spent in the process, whether this is done on a permanent basis, and more.