Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes Passed by House
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on September 18, which would allow the deportation of illegal immigrants convicted of sex offenses, including solicitation of a minor for sexual conduct.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), was passed with a 266–158 vote and is now headed to the Senate. All Republicans who voted were in favor, and 51 Democrats also voted in favor, while 158 Democrats opposed it.
Details of the Bill
The bill, titled the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, proposes amendments to federal immigration law. According to this bill, any illegal immigrant convicted of or admitting to sex offenses such as possession of child pornography or soliciting a minor for sexual conduct would be considered inadmissible to the U.S and subject to deportation if already in the country.
The bill also extends to those who have committed domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, or violated a protection order, rendering them inadmissible or deportable.
Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) stated on the House floor before the vote that the legislation "removes any loopholes in current law and requires that illegal aliens who commit sex offenses or domestic violence are not to be allowed into this country anymore and must be immediately removed from our country when they’re found."
Current Law and Exceptions
Under current law, illegal immigrants convicted of a crime "involving moral turpitude" are deemed inadmissible. However, exceptions exist if the crime was committed when the illegal alien was a minor, or if the maximum penalty was a year or less in prison and the illegal immigrant was not sentenced to more than six months.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), who voted against the bill, argued that he would have supported a bill that addressed gaps in the current law. He expressed concern that the bill's broad definition and lack of waiver authority could lead to harsh and unintended consequences, including the removal of domestic violence survivors.
Reactions and Responses
Rep. Mace responded to these concerns by citing a memorandum from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In the memorandum, Mayorkas suggested that not all domestic violence offenders should be removed, as such a "categorical determination ... could make victims of domestic violence more reluctant to report the offense conduct."
Mace also highlighted several instances where illegal immigrants committed sex offenses, including the rape of a 9-year-old girl in Ohio. She argued, “Under my bill, any illegal alien who commits a sex crime is inadmissible to our country and immediately deportable. We shouldn’t let them into our country under any circumstances, and if we catch them, we send them back.”
Bottom Line
The proposed bill brings to light the ongoing debate over immigration laws and their enforcement, particularly concerning individuals who commit serious crimes. While some argue for stricter measures to protect citizens, others express concern about potential unintended consequences. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you believe this bill is a step in the right direction, or do you share concerns about its potential implications? Share your thoughts and discuss with your friends. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
