Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is preparing to introduce a contentious new bill that would allow federal judges to award damages to victims harmed by illegal immigrants, a move that could reshape the legal framework surrounding immigration-related offenses.
The Allocating Liability to Illegal Entrants in National Courts (ALIEN) Act seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was passed in 1952 and forms the bedrock of U.S. immigration policy.
Gaetz’s proposal would specifically grant federal judges the power to award restitution to Americans who have suffered personal injury or property damage caused by illegal immigrants.
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“The Biden-Harris administration has let in millions of illegals and created a migrant crime epidemic,” Gaetz said in a statement. “My legislation, the ALIEN Act, will give federal judges the ability to award restitution to Americans who are victims of harm to person or property from illegals. Americans deserve the possibility of compensation for the pain they endured.”
The bill comes at a time when Republicans are ramping up calls for tougher border security in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate, has long called for stricter enforcement at the southern border and vowed mass deportations if re-elected in November.
Read: Tennessee Sen. Blackburn Intros Resolution Condemning VP Harris On Border Security
Gaetz’s proposal highlights concerns among Republicans regarding crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants in recent years, which they argue are exacerbated by what they see as the Biden-Harris administration’s lax border policies.
The next steps for the Gaetz’s ALIEN Act involve several key legislative stages:
- Introduction to the House: Gaetz will formally present the bill to the House of Representatives. It will be assigned a number and referred to the appropriate committee, most likely the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees immigration matters.
- Committee Review and Hearings: The bill will undergo review by the committee, where members may hold hearings to debate the merits of the legislation. Witnesses and experts could be called to testify, and amendments to the bill may be proposed.
- Committee Vote: If the committee approves the bill, it will be sent to the full House for debate. If the committee does not approve it, the bill could stall.
- House Debate and Vote: The full House will debate the bill and any amendments. Following debate, the House will vote on the bill. If it passes by a simple majority, it moves to the Senate.
- Senate Review: In the Senate, the bill will be referred to the appropriate committee for further review. The process mirrors the House, with committee hearings, potential amendments, and a final vote.
- Senate Vote: If the Senate committee approves the bill, it will go to the Senate floor for a vote. If it passes by a simple majority, it moves to the President’s desk.
- Presidential Action: If both chambers of Congress approve the bill, it will be sent to the President, who can either sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate.
Read: Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Demands DHS Release ALL Correspondence On VP Harris’s Role As “Border Czar”
Given its controversial nature and the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration and border security, the bill will likely face significant political debate throughout this process.
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