The U.S. House recently endorsed a groundbreaking bipartisan bill targeting noncitizen sex offenders and domestic abusers for deportation.
At a Glance
- The U.S. House passed a bill to deport illegal foreign nationals convicted of domestic violence and sex-related offenses.
- The bill is named the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act and was introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).
- The bill passed with a vote of 266-158, with 51 Democrats supporting it and 158 Democrats opposing it.
- The bill aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make aliens convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible and deportable.
- Offenses include stalking, child abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, violation of protective orders, and conspiracy to commit a sex offense.
House Endorsement and Bill Overview
The U.S. House has passed a bill aimed at deporting noncitizens convicted of sexual offenses and domestic violence. This bipartisan bill, named the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, was introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). It seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include provisions making any alien convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible and deportable.
The bill received a vote of 266-158, with 51 Democrats breaking ranks to support it. Meanwhile, 158 House Democrats opposed the legislation. Some representatives argued that the bill might harm victims and be politically motivated.
The amendment targets various offenses including stalking, child abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, violation of protective orders, and conspiracy to commit a sex offense. Further, it incorporates crimes defined in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, making it a comprehensive approach to address non citizen criminals.
Support and Opposition
Supporters argue the bill is crucial for filling gaps in current immigration laws and ensuring public safety. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) voiced support, criticizing current policies and emphasizing the need to remove loopholes. Conversely, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) opposed the bill, suggesting it did not effectively address loopholes and could have harsh unintended consequences. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) claimed it would harm domestic violence survivors.
“Here we are again, debating another partisan bill that fear mongers about immigrants, instead of working together to fix the immigration system,” said Jayapal.
Rep. Nancy Mace, a survivor of rape and domestic violence, passionately defended the bill during the debate. “I find the debate shameful. I myself am a survivor of rape. I understand the lifelong trauma as someone who has survived rape, as someone who’s been in a domestic violence situation where I was also the victim. I don’t want to hear it. If you’re here illegally at all you should be gone,” she said.
👀 158 Democrats voted AGAINST a bill to deport illegal immigrants who commit sex crimes. @HouseGOP
I was proud to support @RepNancyMace's Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act! https://t.co/Nc3GLMZz8w
— Rep. Alex Mooney (@RepAlexMooney) September 19, 2024
Real-world Implications
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers actively work to arrest sex offenders in various U.S. cities. Specific arrests include a Brazilian national in Massachusetts charged with indecent assault and battery, a Salvadoran national in Massachusetts charged with child rape and other sex crimes, and a Guatemalan national in Missouri convicted of molesting a minor. ICE officials argue these measures are necessary to prioritize public safety and remove noncitizen offenders posing significant threats to communities.
House Republican leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) supported the bill and criticized “woke prosecutors,” arguing that every member should back it. Scalise stated, “Everybody on the House floor should vote for that bill. But if any Democrat there vote against it, they’re going to have to explain to people back home who are watching this be carried out in every community in America, why they would rather stand with illegals than women in their own districts that they represent.”
As the legislative process continues, the emphasis on public safety and the deportation of noncitizen sex offenders and domestic abusers remains a significant focus for many lawmakers. Both sides of the aisle continue to debate and refine the measures necessary to achieve these ends.
