Representative Chip Roy told Fox News he supports the PAUS Act and calls for a temporary, nationwide pause on immigration to "reset" U.S. policy. He cited a figure of about 51.5 million foreign‑born residents (roughly 16% of the population) and blamed the Biden administration and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for "wide open" borders. Roy also criticized alleged abuses of H‑1B visas, the diversity lottery and chain migration and said a pause would allow legislative reforms. Experts note his claims are contested and would require detailed analysis and debate.
Rep. Chip Roy Proposes Nationwide Pause on Immigration, Cites 51.5M Foreign‑Born People
On Friday, Republican Rep. Chip Roy (R‑Texas) appeared on Fox News with host Will Cain to explain his proposal to pause all immigration to the United States under the so‑called PAUS Act. Roy, who is also running for Texas attorney general, framed a temporary nationwide halt as necessary to address what he described as uncontrolled border crossings and abuses of legal visa programs.
Cain asked: "Let's start with why. Why do you feel the need to pause all immigration?"
Roy blamed "a radical left" for pushing open‑border policies and accused the Biden administration and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of leaving the border "wide open." He also criticized legal pathways, saying programs such as H‑1B visas, the diversity visa lottery and family‑based ("chain") migration are being abused to admit people who, in his view, are not assimilating and are, in some cases, accessing public benefits.
Roy cited a figure of "51 and a half million foreign‑born people in the United States — about 16% of the population," calling it the highest share since the early 1900s. He compared his proposal to the national immigration pause enacted in 1920 and said a new temporary pause would create space to "reset" immigration rules, reform visa programs and enforce assimilation expectations.
He contrasted migrants he described as "hardworking" and assimilation‑minded — particularly from Mexico and Central America — with groups he alleged are less inclined to assimilate, singling out "Islamists." Roy also said corporate demand for labor has driven abuses of visa programs and that reform is needed to prevent exploitation.
Context: The figures and assertions quoted above reflect Roy's statements during the interview. Many of these claims—such as the scale of welfare use among migrants or the degree of non‑assimilation—are contested and debated by immigration experts. Assessing such claims typically requires detailed data and statutory action.
Policy Pitch: Roy said the pause would be temporary and followed by legislative reforms to work requirements, visa eligibility and benefit access. He argued the pause would allow lawmakers to redesign admission criteria, tighten enforcement and ensure newcomers assimilate and contribute to the economy.
Watch the full clip on Fox News.
