The "Stop Illegal Entry Act," passed the House in a largely party line vote. Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-OK led the charge for the Act that substantially increases penalties for people who enter or re-enter the Unites States illegally and also for those that commit additional felony crimes.
Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security said, “Keeping our communities safe means cracking down on criminal illegal immigrants. This is about standing with law enforcement, protecting American families, and making clear that if you come here illegally and continue to commit additional crimes, you will face the consequences.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has a companion bill in the United States Senate. The White House supports the legislation and issued a Statement of Administrative Policy stating that President Trump advisors’ would recommend that he sign it into law
“I voted for the Stop Illegal Entry Act because families on Long Island and across America deserve to feel safe knowing that dangerous criminals who were previously deported cannot simply slip back into our communities without serious consequences,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY).
The bill passed 226-197 will all "no" votes coming from Democrats. Eleven Democrats voted with Republicans to pass the bill including two from New York.
NY Democrats Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen voted for the bill. Gillen said in a statement that the bill was “common sense”.
The Stop Illegal Entry Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act accordingly:
- Any illegal alien who is convicted of a felony (state OR federal) shall face a minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison.
- Any illegal re-entry warrants up to 10 years in prison regardless of criminal history.
- Any illegal re-entry after a felony conviction and deportation faces 10 years to life in prison.