House Democrats Split on Immigration Crime Bill

Clear Facts

• The “Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act” passed the House with support from 213 Republicans and 61 Democrats, while 145 Democrats opposed it.
• The bill aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make immigrants convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence deportable.
• Rep. Nancy Mace criticized Democrats for not supporting the bill, while Rep. Jamie Raskin argued it could harm immigrant survivors of abuse.

In a recent development on Capitol Hill, a significant number of House Democrats have once again opposed a bill designed to deport immigrants convicted of sex crimes or domestic violence. The legislation, known as the “Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,” was introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) and received backing from 213 Republicans and 61 Democrats. However, 145 Democrats stood against it, with no Republican opposition.

Rep. Mace, who reintroduced the bill after it previously failed to advance in the Democrat-controlled Senate, expressed her disappointment with the Democratic opposition.

The bill seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, making immigrants who have been convicted of or committed sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible and deportable. It also addresses crimes such as stalking, child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and violations of protection orders involving threats or harassment.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, criticized the bill as redundant and potentially harmful to victims. He argued that it might be used against immigrant survivors who resist their abusers.

The bill is now set to move to the Senate, which is currently under Republican control. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “This commonsense solution should be an overwhelmingly bipartisan effort, but the American people must know only 28% of House Democrats voted to protect women from these predators.”

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