GOP Senator Unveils Seven-Bill Immigration Package as Republicans Race to Codify Trump Policies Before Midterms

Republican Senator Jim Banks of Indiana is pushing the Senate to act on a seven-bill immigration package before the midterm elections, warning that Democratic control of Congress could reverse Trump administration policies currently in place. Banks told Fox News Digital that the legislative window is closing as Republicans seek to deliver tangible wins to voters while maintaining congressional control. The senator argues that without codifying these measures into law, a future Democratic majority could easily dismantle them.

The legislation addresses multiple immigration issues including birthright citizenship, visa requirements, commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants, and chain migration restrictions. Banks expressed concern about what he characterized as extreme Democratic positions on border security and immigration enforcement, contending that socialist-aligned Democrats support open borders and reduced enforcement mechanisms. He emphasized the urgency of passing these measures to prevent what he views as harmful immigration policies from taking root.

Central to Banks’ agenda is the Dalilah Law, named after a first-grade student severely injured in a multi-vehicle crash caused by an illegal immigrant truck driver licensed in California. The proposed legislation would require states to halt commercial driver’s license issuance to illegal immigrants and certain foreign nationals, mirroring successful federal efforts to raise the drinking age decades earlier. Banks cited multiple incidents in Indiana involving foreign drivers licensed by states he described as insufficiently screening applicants.

Another component raises the minimum salary threshold for H-1B visa positions from $60,000 to $150,000 annually, a change proponents say would protect American job seekers entering the technology sector. Immigration attorneys have warned the increase could make the U.S. less competitive as a destination for foreign talent and drive skilled workers toward Canada instead. The package also includes provisions for enhanced border security funding and restrictions on college grants to institutions employing undocumented workers.

Banks further proposed transferring greater congressional control over Temporary Protected Status designations from executive branch agencies, arguing previous administrations expanded the program beyond its intended scope. He contends that legislating these powers into law would provide long-term protection for immigration policies regardless of which party controls the presidency. Fox News Digital contacted Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office regarding the timeline for consideration of these bills ahead of the midterms.