Story perspectives

House Speaker Backs Controversial Bill Targeting Muslim Immigration

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged Rep. Andy Ogles's remarks about Muslims, saying they reflect a broader sentiment among Americans.
Rep. Andy Ogles plans to introduce a bill barring immigration from Muslim-majority countries and faces backlash for remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
Ogles belongs to the Sharia Free America Caucus, which argues Shariah law threatens the U.S. Constitution.
Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the rhetoric as divisive within Congress.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, drastically reduced immigration from Asia and Eastern Europe by 98%, reflecting nativist sentiments of the time. This law established quotas based on the 1890 census, favoring Northern and Western Europeans. Today, Rep. Andy Ogles's proposed bill to restrict immigration from Muslim-majority countries echoes this historical exclusion, raising concerns about repeating past discriminatory practices.

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Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged Rep. Andy Ogles's remarks about Muslims, saying they reflect a broader sentiment among Americans.
Rep. Andy Ogles plans to introduce a bill barring immigration from Muslim-majority countries and faces backlash for remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
Ogles belongs to the Sharia Free America Caucus, which argues Shariah law threatens the U.S. Constitution.
Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the rhetoric as divisive within Congress.

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