H.R. 3697 - Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act
H.R. 3697 - Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act
The House recently passed H.R. 3697, which amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to combat gang violence by criminal aliens and enhance public safety. The bill ensures that criminal alien gang members are not eligible for immigration benefits, such as asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, and temporary protected status, and includes provisions to detain and remove criminal gang members or those who participate in gang activity.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA):
“The primary duty of the federal government is to keep Americans safe. We must ensure our nation’s immigration laws are not exploited by dangerous gang members, like MS-13, seeking to bring crime and illicit activity to our communities. The Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act makes it clear that criminal alien gang members are not eligible to come to the United States and ensures that they are kept off our streets.”
Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD):
“Republicans are supposedly bringing this bill to the Floor to combat transnational gang violence, such as violence caused by gangs like MS-13. However, this legislation, if enacted, would classify large groups of immigrants as “gang members,” including members of the faith community who assist undocumented immigrants with housing, transportation and other humanitarian needs, and make it easier to deport people, even lawful permanent residents, with no involvement in criminal gangs whatsoever.”
