Bipartisan Backing for Migrant Bill

Legislation requiring federal authorities to imprison those who are in the country illegally and are suspected of stealing, attacking law police, or committing other violent crimes was passed by the U.S. House on Wednesday. The law is now on its way to President Donald Trump, and its quick passage and bipartisan backing show how the political climate in Washington has altered since Republicans won control of both houses of Congress and the White House. Proponents praised the legislation as a necessary, rational step aimed at detaining and deporting offenders who do not belong in the nation. The legislation was named after Laken Riley, a nursing student from Georgia who was killed by an undocumented immigrant while jogging. Critics have challenged the intent of the legislation, arguing that individuals in the country illegally who are found guilty of a major crime face detention and removal under existing laws. Groups advocating for immigrant rights and other opponents argued that targeting individuals accused of crimes but not found guilty would infringe upon their right to due process. They characterized the law as a component of a larger campaign to vilify undocumented immigrants. 

Source: The Dallas Morning News