To repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.

House Bill

H.R. 3941

119th Congress

To repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.

In Committee

Introduced:Sep 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Chellie Pingree

Representative

Democratic

ME-1

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Immigration

Summary

The Schools Not Shelters Act would prohibit public schools and colleges from providing shelter or housing to non-U.S. citizens who have not been legally admitted into the country, except in emergency situations like natural disasters.

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Schools Not Shelters Act would prohibit public schools and colleges from providing shelter or housing to non-U.S. citizens who have not been legally admitted into the country, except in emergency situations like natural disasters.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Schools Not Shelters Act This bill prohibits using the facilities of certain schools that receive federal financial assistance to provide shelter or housing for any non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who has not been admitted for lawful entry. Specifically, this bill shall apply to the facilities of (1) public elementary or secondary schools, and (2) institutions of higher education. This prohibition shall not apply to shelter or housing provided in response to certain disasters such as a fire, flood, explosion, or tornado for which there has been a disaster declaration.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The bill aims to prevent public schools and universities from being used to house undocumented immigrants.
There is an exception for providing shelter in response to declared disasters such as fires, floods, or tornadoes.
The legislation would apply to all public elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions that receive federal funding.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If enacted, this bill would affect undocumented immigrants who may have previously been able to find temporary shelter at public schools or colleges. It could force these individuals to seek alternative housing options, which may be more difficult to access. The policy change could also impact school resources and budgets if they are no longer able to provide shelter during emergencies.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Immigration

Related Subjects

Border security and unlawful immigration

Detention of persons

Educational facilities and institutions

Homelessness and emergency shelter

Immigration status and procedures

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3941, 119th Congress (2025). "To repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3941