White House Refuses GOP's Attempt to Prevent Migrant Housing on Federal Land

The White House has expressed strong opposition to a Republican-sponsored bill in the House that aims to ban the use of federal funds for providing temporary shelter to undocumented immigrants on federal lands. The bill would prevent federal money from being used to house noncitizens, including asylum seekers, on lands under the jurisdiction of various agencies. The White House argues that the legislation would limit the decision-making authority of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, even in emergency situations. The bill, introduced by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, has garnered support from several House Republicans and is set to be considered this week. It would also revoke a lease between the federal government and New York City for housing migrants at Floyd Bennett Field.