WASHINGTON, D.C. – Once again, Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar has introduced the Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act. Gosar’s bill targets non-citizens convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors.
Congressman Andy Biggs is a cosponsor of the bill.
Criminal aliens are eligible for removal and according to Gosar, this bill “eliminates loopholes, simplifies the code (making it clear who does or doesn’t qualify) and gives codified guidance to the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.”
“I support putting the safety of American citizens first,” said Congressman Gosar in a press release. “The lack of clarification in our laws regarding criminal alien eligibility for removal cripples the ability to keep our communities safe. This legislation would close an existing loophole that puts American citizens in danger by allowing violent and recidivist criminal aliens to remain in, and return to, our communities. It is my hope that my colleagues across the aisle will join in putting the well-being and safety of U.S. citizens ahead of those who have come to America and broken our laws.”
Gosar argues that last year, the Supreme Court invalidated 118 U.S.C. § 16(b) as incorporated into the aggravated felony definition in section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The original intent of this provision was to remove aliens convicted of violent crimes. The ruling created a loophole where criminal aliens, including felons, would be allowed to stay, and could even be allowed to come back.