Story perspectives

White House Proposes Immigration Changes Amid DHS Shutdown

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

White House officials proposed limited changes to federal immigration enforcement to address Democratic demands amid a DHS shutdown that has caused delays at major airports and left TSA agents unpaid.
The proposal includes officer identification and restrictions at locations such as hospitals.
The plan did not meet Democratic priorities.
Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of holding DHS funding hostage.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the counteroffer as inadequate.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 transformed U.S. immigration policy by abolishing national origin quotas established by the 1924 Act, which had severely restricted immigration from Asia and Eastern Europe. This reform led to over 1 million annual immigrants by the 1970s, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration that continue to influence federal policies and the Department of Homeland Security today.

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Story summary

White House officials proposed limited changes to federal immigration enforcement to address Democratic demands amid a DHS shutdown that has caused delays at major airports and left TSA agents unpaid.
The proposal includes officer identification and restrictions at locations such as hospitals.
The plan did not meet Democratic priorities.
Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of holding DHS funding hostage.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the counteroffer as inadequate.

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