WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) introduced Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act. This legislation ensures that non-citizens, convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors, can be removed from the United States. The language is simple, satisfies Constitutional scrutiny, avoids loopholes, and gives codified guidance to the DOJ and Homeland Security in order to remove non-citizens who break our laws.
“Justice Gorsuch’s ruling revealed a glaring loophole in our immigration system, said Congressman Gosar. The lack of clarification regarding criminal alien eligibility for deportation cripples our government's authority to keep our communities safe and free of violent criminals. This legislation provides a reasonable solution that prioritizes American citizens. Aliens with lawful status are here as guests, and should not maintain their status if they break the law."
Background: Last week, the Supreme Court invalidated 118 U.S.C. § 16(b) as incorporated into the aggravated felony definition in section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The original intent of this provision was to remove aliens convicted of violent crimes. The ruling created a loophole where criminal aliens, including felons, would be allowed to stay, and could even be allowed to come back.
Original Cosponsors(28): Reps Ralph Abraham (LA-5), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Brian Babin (TX-36), Lou Barletta (PA-11), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rod Blum (IA-01), Dave Brat (VA-07), Ken Buck (CO-4), Ted Budd (NC-13), Kevin Cramer (ND-At Large), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Scott Desjarlais (TN-04), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), John Duncan (TN-02), Tom Garrett (VA-05), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), Andy Harris (MD-01), Jody Hice (GA-10), Bill Johnson (OH-6), Walter B. Jones (NC-03), Steve King (IA-04), Tom Marino(PA-10), Tom McClintock (CA-04), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Scott Perry (PA-04), Bill Posey (FL-08), and Ted Yoho (FL-03)
Endorsed by: Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) and NumbersUSA
Read full bill text HERE.
