Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB661

Introduced
1/31/23  
Refer
1/31/23  

Caption

Sarah's Law

Impact

The enactment of HB 661 is poised to significantly alter the landscape of immigration enforcement, particularly by mandating ICE to take immediate action in detaining aliens charged with serious crimes. This provision reflects a growing trend in state and federal policy aimed at prioritizing public safety by ensuring that individuals accused of severe offenses are not allowed to evade law enforcement due to immigration status. Proponents argue this will not only enhance community safety but also uphold the rights of crime victims by keeping them informed about the status of the accused individual.

Summary

House Bill 661, known as 'Sarah's Law', mandates the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take into custody certain aliens charged with crimes that result in death or serious bodily injury to others. This legislation amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to enforce mandatory detention under specified conditions, aiming to address public safety concerns regarding aliens involved in criminal activities. The bill underscores the government's responsibility to inform crime victims or their relatives about the immigration status and custody of the alleged perpetrators, emphasizing a commitment to victim rights amidst immigration enforcement.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 661 appears to be decidedly supportive among certain groups, particularly those focused on crime victims' rights and public safety. Advocates for the bill assert that it provides necessary measures to prevent dangerous individuals from remaining in the community. Conversely, some critics express concern that mandatory detention policies may exacerbate existing issues within the immigration system, and fear that it could lead to unjust consequences for individuals who may not be a threat to public safety. The debate represents a broader conversation on the balance between immigration enforcement and the protection of due process rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential implications for communities that may see an increase in immigration enforcement actions, leading to fear and mistrust toward law enforcement agencies among immigrant populations. Critics also highlight the ethical considerations regarding mandatory detention and the importance of ensuring fair treatment for all individuals regardless of their immigration status. Furthermore, there are concerns about how effectively the bill’s provisions will be implemented in reality, particularly regarding the communication of information to victims and their families.

Companion Bills

US SB160

Same As Sarah's Law

US HB3599

Related DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act

Previously Filed As

US SB160

Sarah's Law

US HB3407

Empowering Law Enforcement Act of 2023

US HB16

American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs. DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed. Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment. DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes. This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.

US HB2

Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, which provides grants to law enforcement agencies for certain border security operations; prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving between ports of entry; limits asylum eligibility to non-U.S. nationals who arrive in the United States at a port of entry; authorizes the removal of a non-U.S. national to a country other than that individual's country of nationality or last lawful habitual residence, whereas currently this type of removal may only be to a country that has an agreement with the United States for such removal; expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death; authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border; prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors; authorizes immigration officers to permit an unaccompanied alien child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application; imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa; and requires DHS to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system and requires all employers to use the system.

US HB2640

Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023 Legal Workforce Act Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 Visa Overstays Penalties Act Protection of Children Act of 2023 Ensuring United Families at the Border Act Border Safety and Migrant Protection Act of 2023 Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023

US HB1183

Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act of 2023

US SB84

Sarah's Law This bill requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person. ICE must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. ICE shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.

US SB333

Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2023

US HB578

Sarah's LawThis bill requires the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.DHS must obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. DHS shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.

US HB3234

To authorize the immediate expulsion of inadmissible aliens attempting to enter the United States by fraud or without a necessary entry document, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.