Incoming GOP congressman backs halting all immigration to US, warns about Sharia law in Texas

Republican Jace Yarbrough, who is due to take a seat representing Texas in Congress, has called for sharply restricting immigration, saying he would support stopping it altogether temporarily. His views matter as he enters office with an agenda centred on immigration and what he calls America’s Christian heritage, while expecting little co-operation from Democratic majorities.

Yarbrough favours a merit-based immigration system and repeal of the 1965 Hart-Celler Act, which ended national-origin quotas. He also warned about Sharia law, citing a dispute involving the East Plano Islamic Center and Christian street preachers; the mosque’s lawsuit over alleged disruption of prayer services was dismissed, then appealed and remains pending. Yarbrough won his seat with just over 51 per cent of the vote after redistricting made the district more Republican-leaning.