Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB9117

Introduced
7/24/24  

Caption

No Visas for Violent Criminals Act

Impact

The implication of HB 9117 is substantial in the realm of immigration policy and civil rights. Proponents argue that the bill will deter criminal behavior amongst non-citizens and uphold law and order during protests, which have increasingly become contentious and violent. However, opponents raise concerns that the bill could lead to unjust punishments, infringing on rights to free speech and assembly. The expedited removal process may disproportionately affect marginalized communities and could escalate tensions between law enforcement and immigrant populations. Thus, the bill places public safety interests at odds with civil liberties, a subject likely to provoke intense political debates.

Summary

House Bill 9117, titled the 'No Visas for Violent Criminals Act', aims to expedite the removal of aliens convicted of certain crimes, particularly those related to unlawful protest activities. It proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically targeting crimes that occur during protests at educational and religious facilities, as well as defacement of federal monuments and obstruction of roads or bridges. The bill seeks to immediately cancel the visa of any alien who is convicted of these crimes and mandate their removal from the United States within 60 days post-conviction. This move highlights a stricter stance on immigration and criminal activity tied to protests, reflecting an ongoing national dialogue around civil liberties and public safety.

Contention

One major point of contention surrounding HB 9117 is its potential chilling effect on the right to protest. Critics argue that by criminalizing certain protest-related activities for non-citizens, the bill may silence legitimate dissent and discourage participation in protests, which are a cornerstone of democratic expression. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the broad definitions of 'unlawful protest-related activities,' as they may encompass a wide range of behaviors, potentially leading to arbitrary enforcement. Furthermore, the legislation could disproportionately affect students and informal protestors, prompting fears of discrimination based on immigration status. As the bill advances, these discussions will likely play a key role in shaping public opinion and legislative outcomes.

Companion Bills

US SB4756

Same As No Visas for Violent Criminals Act

Previously Filed As

US SB4756

No Visas for Violent Criminals Act

US SB2001

No Visas for Violent Criminals Act

US HB10034

Border Security and Immigration Reform Act

US HB30

Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens ActThis bill establishes certain criminal grounds for making non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) inadmissible and expands the crimes for which a non-U.S. national is deportable.First, the bill establishes that a non-U.S. national is inadmissible if the individual has admitted to or is convicted of acts constituting the essential elements of stalking, child abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, a sex offense, conspiracy to commit a sex offense, a violation of certain protection orders, or domestic violence (including physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of coercive behavior when it occurs within certain close relationships).  Next, the bill establishes additional grounds for deportation. Under current law, a non-U.S. national is deportable for certain criminal convictions, including domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse. The bill makes any sex offense (including crimes against minors) or conspiracy to commit a sex offense a basis for deportation. The bill also expands the domestic violence crimes that make a non-U.S. national deportable to include physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of coercive behavior when it occurs within certain close relationships.

US HB7909

Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act

US HB10501

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the annual numerical limitation on visas for certain immigrants, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant work authorization to certain immigrants with a pending application for nonimmigrant status under such Act, and for other purposes.

US HB2739

Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

US HB1050

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act

US SB158

Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens ActThis bill establishes certain criminal grounds for making non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) inadmissible and expands the crimes for which a non-U.S. national is deportable.First, the bill establishes that a non-U.S. national is inadmissible if the individual has admitted to or is convicted of acts constituting the essential elements of stalking, child abuse, child neglect, child abandonment, a sex offense, conspiracy to commit a sex offense, a violation of certain protection orders, or domestic violence (including physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of coercive behavior when it occurs within certain close relationships).  Next, the bill establishes additional grounds for deportation. Under current law, a non-U.S. national is deportable for certain criminal convictions, including domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse. The bill makes any sex offense (including crimes against minors) or conspiracy to commit a sex offense a basis for deportation. The bill also expands the domestic violence crimes that make a non-U.S. national deportable to include physical or sexual abuse or a pattern of coercive behavior when it occurs within certain close relationships.

US HB3045

West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.