House Greenlights Provocative Deportation Bill Amid Heated Debates

The House of Representatives has passed a controversial bill to deport illegal immigrants convicted of domestic violence or sex crimes, raising significant debates on both sides of the aisle.

At a Glance

The House passed a bill requiring the federal government to deport illegal immigrants with a criminal history of domestic violence and sex offenses.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), a survivor of such violence, received bipartisan support.
The legislation amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make convicted aliens inadmissible and deportable.
Opponents argue the bill duplicates current laws and could harm victims of domestic violence.
The bill is part of a broader GOP legislative push against progressive immigration policies.

Details of the Bill

The “Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,” introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), mandates the deportation of undocumented individuals convicted of domestic violence and sex-related offenses. The House approved the bill with a vote of 266 to 158, including support from 51 Democrats. The legislation aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, rendering aliens with such convictions inadmissible and deportable.

Mace, a survivor of rape and domestic violence, passionately defended the bill, criticizing politicians who make excuses for illegal immigrants committing serious crimes. She emphasized the bill’s focus on common sense and victim protection.

Support from House Republicans

House Republican leadership, including Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), supported the bill. Scalise criticized “woke prosecutors” and emphasized the importance of the legislation in protecting women. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA) also accused Democrats of inconsistency in their stance on women’s protection. Despite significant Democratic opposition, notable Democrats like Reps. Mary Peltola and Jared Moskowitz backed the bill.

“Everybody on the House floor should vote for that bill,” Scalise said. “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.”

Mace faced off a tough debate on the House floor, accusing her detractors of being sexist against women if they voted against the bill.

House debating bill that would allow US to deport illegal immigrants who commit crimes https://t.co/xEDleEoPYe

— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) March 7, 2024

Opposition’s Argument

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, opposed the bill. Nadler argued that the redundancy of the bill would not add new protections but could bring harsh unintended consequences. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal criticized the bill as fearmongering and xenophobic, asserting it scapegoats immigrants rather than fixes the broken system.

Despite the opposition, some GOP efforts have previously received modest Democratic support, such as the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act.

Legislative Implications

This legislation marks part of a broader Republican agenda targeting immigration issues and tying Democrats to the policies of the Biden-Harris administration. Also on the legislative docket is a vote on a continuing resolution to extend funding and the SAVE Act, which would bar noncitizens from voting in federal elections. Mace’s bill aligns with the GOP’s broader priorities of increased immigration enforcement and progressive policy rollback.

“H.R.7909 is about common sense — a trait sorely lacking in Washington these days,” Mace wrote. “This bill ensures predators who pose a threat and have been previously convicted of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other heinous crimes are turned away or immediately deported.”

The continuing resolution is anticipated to fall through, prompting leadership to renegotiate the deal. The bill has garnered considerable attention and will likely influence upcoming legislative sessions and campaigns.