The House of Representatives voted to pass a bill aimed at deterring illegal immigration, over the objections of nearly every Democrat.
The "Stop Illegal Entry" act passed 226-197, with only 11 Democrats crossing the aisle to support the commonsense measure, led by Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Ok.)
As reported by Fox News, if signed into law, the bill would require a 5-year minimum prison sentence for illegal aliens who commit felonies after entering the United States.
Long Island Democrat Laura Gillen (Ny.) called the Stop Illegal Entry Act "common sense," but few in her party seem to agree. She was one of only 11 Democrats who voted for the bill.
The legislation is a direct response to the Biden administration's disastrous immigration policies, which brought millions of illegal aliens into the United States, including dangerous criminals who raped and killed Americans.
"Americans overwhelmingly agree that violent criminals without legal status have no place in our country and should be held accountable to the full extent of our nation’s immigration laws," Gillen said.
"The previous administration’s inaction on the border led to a full-blown crisis that drained taxpayers’ wallets and made our communities less safe."
Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar (Tx.), Don Davis (Nc.), Jared Golden (Me.), Vicente Gonzalez (Tx.), Adam Gray (D-Ca.). Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mi.), Frank Mrvan (D-In.), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wa.), Tom Suozzi, (D-Ny.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-Nm.) also voted yes.
Democrats have broadly opposed President Trump's mass immigration crackdown, accusing the president of breaking his pledge to target the "worst of the worst" by rounding up people without criminal records.
But the Stop Illegal Entry Act strengthens penalties for criminal aliens, establishing a five-year minimum sentence for illegal aliens who commit felonies.
The bill also strengthens deterrence more broadly by increasing the maximum punishment for illegal re-entry from two years to up to 10 years.
President Trump has already said he will sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.
“By targeting repeat offenders and imposing harsh penalties on violent felons who re-enter after deportation, this bill defends the rule of law and sends an unmistakable message: if you break our laws, there will be severe consequences,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) “Criminal illegal aliens have no place in this country, and House Republicans are committed to uphold the integrity of our laws.”
This bill is as moderate as it gets on immigration. It would keep out dangerous foreigners who have no place in America and send a clear message to anyone seeking to enter illegally to think twice.
But it's hardly news that Democrats don't want to stop illegal immigration. That's the only reasonable interpretation of this vote.
