Congressman Meuser Introduces Bill to Combat Squatting by Illegal Immigrants

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) introduced H.R. 7959, the Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling (SHIELD) Act. The legislation would make trespassing a deportable offense for illegal aliens, as well as deem the migrant permanently inadmissible for entry into the United States.

This legislation has become glaringly necessary due to the recent surge in cases of illegal aliens squatting in American homes, particularly after a Venezuelan TikToker urged fellow migrants to exploit adverse possession laws in American states.

Just last week, Homeland Security officials arrested eight illegal immigrants on drug and gun possession charges who had been squatting in a Bronx, NY, home. Also last week, federal agents arrested three migrants squatting and dealing drugs in a home in the Bronx. 

“The dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes is yet another example of how the disastrous situation at our southern border is impacting communities across the country,” Congressman Dan Meuser said. “This legislation will serve as a deterrent to illegal aliens contemplating violating the homes and properties of American citizens. It will force migrants to think twice before attempting to trespass on or unlawfully possess an American’s property. The SHIELD Act ensures illegal immigrants are held accountable for squatting via deportation and permanent inadmissibility into the United States. If Congress does not address this issue, illegals, who are entering the United States due to Biden Administration’s disastrous border policies, will continue abusing adverse possession laws and squat in American homes, with many causing thousands of dollars in property damage and mental suffering for homeowners.”

This legislation comes on the heels of the House’s passage of H.R. 6976, the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, which makes driving under the influence a deportable and inadmissible offense. H.R. 6976 passed in the House on February 1, 2024, by a margin of 274 to 150, with significant bipartisan support.

Text of the legislation can be found here. 

Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and Austin Scott (GA-08) are cosponsors of the SHIELD Act.

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