US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB87

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Grant's Law This bill requires the Department of Justice to detain any alien found to be unlawfully present in the United States and arrested for various crimes that would render the alien deportable or inadmissible. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may release the alien to an appropriate authority for proceedings related to the arrest, but DHS must resume custody for any period that the alien is not in such authority's custody. If the alien is not convicted of crimes for which the alien was arrested, DHS must continue to detain the alien until removal proceedings are completed. DHS must complete such removal proceedings within 90 days.

Impact

If enacted, HB 87 will alter various aspects of the Immigration and Nationality Act, particularly concerning the treatment of undocumented immigrants upon their arrest for criminal activities. It will require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assume custody of these individuals and expedite removal proceedings, thereby making the process more robust and time-sensitive. The bill stipulates a 90-day timeframe for DHS to complete these removal proceedings, thereby potentially streamlining the current processes involved in detaining and deporting criminal aliens.

Summary

House Bill 87, also known as 'Grant's Law', mandates the detention of individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and have been arrested for specific criminal offenses. This bill emphasizes the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security, modifying existing immigration laws to facilitate the detention of undocumented immigrants who have been apprehended for crimes that would typically render them inadmissible or deportable under current regulations. The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance enforcement measures against individuals engaging in further illegal activities while present in the country.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 87 focus on the implications of mandatory detention and the potential for increased enforcement actions against specific communities. Critics may argue that the bill disproportionately affects certain groups, infringing upon their rights and subjecting them to harsher consequences for criminal behavior, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their immigration status. Proponents, however, advocate for the bill as a necessary step in ensuring that criminal behavior by undocumented individuals is met with appropriate legal repercussions, thereby contributing to public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB149

Public Safety First ActThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Specifically, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.

US S1046

"New Jersey Laken Riley Act"; establishes law enforcement procedures for arrests of aliens unlawfully present in the U.S. charged with certain crimes.

US A744

"New Jersey Laken Riley Act;" establishes law enforcement procedures for arrests of aliens unlawfully present in the U.S. charged with certain crimes.

US SB1827

Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act

US HB5713

Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act

US HB5026

ALCATRAZ Act Accelerated Logistics and Coordination for Arresting, Transporting, and Removing Aliens Zones Act

US HB7664

State Partnerships to Enhance Removal of Criminal Aliens Act

US HB194

Safeguards Ensuring Criminal and Unvetted Refugees don't Enter America Act or the SECURE America Act This bill imposes restrictions on the admission of aliens, including refugees, and addresses related issues. Specifically, no refugees may be admitted until Congress enacts a joint resolution setting the maximum number of refugees allowed to be admitted in a particular fiscal year. Currently, that number is set each fiscal year by the President. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must notify Congress at least 30 days before determining that an alien or class of aliens is eligible for refugee status. Congress may nullify the determination by enacting a joint resolution of disapproval. Further, an alien shall be inadmissible for holding certain beliefs, such as (1) believing that a system of religious law should be implemented in the United States, (2) believing that the alien does not need to learn English if the alien is not already fluent, or (3) any belief that the Department of State determines is incompatible with the principles of the United States. DHS may not parole into the United States an alien who does not have status under immigration law. Currently, DHS may provide parole in certain instances, including for urgent humanitarian reasons. Federal agencies must notify a state at least 30 days before resettling a refugee in that state. The refugee may not be resettled in that state if the state expresses disapproval. An alien who has committed a crime of violence (generally one involving the use or threat of physical violence against person or property) may not be eligible for refugee status and must be removed.

US HB1535

Sentencing of aliens unlawfully present.

US HB578

Sarah's LawThis bill requires the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who is unlawfully present in the United States and has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of a crime that resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.DHS must obtain information about the identity of any victims of the crimes for which the detained individual was charged or convicted. DHS shall provide the victim, or a relative or guardian of a deceased victim, with information about the detained individual, including name, date of birth, nationality, immigration status, criminal history, and a description of any related removal efforts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.