“Kate’s Law,” a bill that will increase penalties for deported felons who return to the United States, has passed the House of Representatives and will now move to the Senate. This law will allow for a prison sentence of up to 10 years for illegal immigrants who return to the United States after having been convicted of a felony or three misdemeanors, or those who return to the United States after having been deported three times.
Kate’s Law Passes HOR
The law is meant to address concerns about illegal immigrants who commit crimes while in the United States. As Charles Payne told Fox News, “This wouldn’t be a problem if there weren’t so many illegal immigrants here who have committed vicious, heinous crimes.” The law is named in honor of Kate Steinle, a woman who was murdered by an illegal immigrant two years ago.
It’s notable that 24 Democrats have crossed the aisle to vote in favor of the bill. The Democrat Party faces pressure to resist President Trump’s agenda to the point of refusing to support, or at least compromise on, any piece of legislation that is supported by the Republicans. President Trump has expressed support for policies similar to the one outlined by Kate’s Law during his presidential campaign.
Sanctuary Cities Still A Concern
The House of Representatives also passed the “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act,” which authorizes the withholding of federal funds for cities who refuse to comply with the enforcement of federal immigration policy and expands the duties of cities in regards to enforcing federal immigration policy. Republicans have slammed sanctuary cities for failing to respect the rule of law and enabling illegal immigrants to commit crimes within the cities. During his presidential campaign, President Trump supported new immigration enforcement policies that would yank federal funding for cities that refused to help enforce immigration law.
During meetings with families of victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, President Trump stated that these crimes could have been prevented if sanctuary cities would enforce the law. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly expressed similar positions on the topic of sanctuary cities.
“Sanctuary cities are anything but safe. Instead these are places that allow some criminals to go free,” John Kelly said during a press conference.
Democrats have accused Republicans of twisting the issue and attempting to co-opt city law enforcement resources to enforce federal law. The Democrats say that it’s the job of federal agencies to enforce federal law and the job shouldn’t be outsourced to city police departments that may already be overextended. They also say that illegal immigrants are no more likely to commit crimes than those who are here legally – completely ignoring the fact that illegal immigrants can’t be bothered to respect U.S. law enough to obtain or extend their documentation.
However, Republicans reject the Democrats’ claim that actually enforcing the law would make sanctuary cities less safe. “It is a simple principle that if you are going to receive taxpayer dollars from the federal government to keep people safe, that you have got to follow the law and keep them safe,” said Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), who co-sponsored the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act.
Both bills may face an uphill battle in the Senate. A previous version of Kate’s Law had failed to pass in the Senate and some lawmakers may protest the cuts to law enforcement spending proposed in the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act. However, those who care about ending some cities’ “sanctuary” status and making communities more safe for law-abiding citizens should contact their senators to express support for Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act.
By National Pol. Ok ms
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