Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Commit Robbery Act
Impact
If enacted, HB7334 would substantially affect the legal landscape regarding the treatment of illegal aliens involved in criminal activities, specifically robbery. The proposed changes would mean that non-citizens charged with robbery would face immediate detention, which could affect their ability to contest their immigration status or criminal charges. This bill reflects a growing trend within legislation aimed at tightening immigration controls when specific serious crimes are involved, ultimately prioritizing public safety by targeting those perceived as a threat to community security.
Summary
House Bill 7334, titled the 'Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Commit Robbery Act', seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to enhance the detention of certain aliens who are charged with or convicted of robbery. A key feature of this bill is the provision that allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue detainers for such aliens, ensuring they are held in custody pending legal proceedings. The bill emphasizes the severity of robbery as a crime and establishes a direct link between the commission of robbery and immigration status, suggesting a stricter legal framework for those deemed inadmissible under specific sections of the immigration law.
Contention
Notably, the bill has sparked debate concerning the balance between immigration enforcement and civil rights. Critics may argue that this legislation could lead to unjust detentions based solely on robbery charges, potentially penalizing individuals for crimes that could be subject to various legal defenses. Supporters, however, may contend that the measure is necessary to deter criminal behavior among non-citizens and protect citizens from potential crime. The conversation surrounding HB7334 is also tied to broader national discussions on immigration reform, public safety, and the rights of immigrants.
Deport Alien Gang Members ActThis bill makes non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) associated with criminal gangs inadmissible for entry into the United States and deportable. The bill also establishes procedures to designate groups as criminal gangs.An individual shall be inadmissible if certain officers or agencies know or have reason to believe that the individual is or was a criminal gang member or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities. An individual who is or was a member of such a gang, has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities, or seeks to enter or has entered the United States in furtherance of such activity shall be deportable.Such individuals must be subject to mandatory detention. Furthermore, such individuals shall not be eligible for (1) asylum; (2) temporary protected status; (3) special immigrant juvenile visas; or (4) parole, unless they are assisting the government in a law enforcement matter.The bill defines a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons (1) where one of its primary purposes is committing specified criminal offenses and its members have engaged in a continuing series of such offenses within the past five years, or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).The bill also establishes procedures for DHS to designate a group as a criminal gang, including notifying Congress, publishing a notice in the Federal Register, and providing an opportunity for the group to petition for review of the designation.
Public Safety First ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Specifically, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.