Lindell's conditional work visa plan draws GOP criticism

Mike Lindell, the MyPillow founder and Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has proposed a plan that would allow undocumented immigrants without serious criminal records to apply for conditional work visas, drawing sharp criticism from his primary opponents. The candidate detailed the proposal in an interview published on July, 22, 2026, describing a six-month moratorium during which undocumented immigrants could apply for a visa granting indefinite legal residency contingent on work and a clean record.

The plan, which Lindell said he would like implemented nationally but could start in Minnesota, involves immediately deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of felonies or gross misdemeanors. Those without such records would have a limited window to apply for a conditional work visa card, which would require fingerprinting. The visa would not grant citizenship or voting rights but would allow holders to work legally, pay taxes, and potentially obtain a driver's license if they meet an English-language requirement. The visa would be revoked, resulting in deportation, if the holder is convicted of a serious crime.

Lindell framed the proposal as a fiscally responsible...