Summary
Makes non-citizens who are convicted of or admit to defrauding the U.S. government or illegally receiving public benefits unable to enter or stay in the U.S.
What problem does this solve?
Current law may not clearly list government fraud as a reason to deny entry to or remove a non-citizen. This bill adds specific fraud crimes to the list of offenses that make a non-citizen deportable and barred from entry.
Who does this affect?
- Non-citizens
- Immigrants receiving public benefits
What does this bill do?
Makes government fraud a reason for inadmissibility
Prevents non-citizens from entering the U.S. if they have been convicted of, or admit to, committing fraud against the government or illegally receiving public benefits.
Makes government fraud a reason for deportation
Allows for the removal of non-citizens already in the U.S. if they have been convicted of, or admit to, committing fraud against the government or illegally receiving public benefits.
Blocks any immigration relief
Makes any non-citizen found to have committed these fraud offenses completely ineligible for any form of immigration relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 2(a)(J)
Header:
Defrauding the united states government or the unlawful receipt of public benefits
Lists specific fraud offenses
Includes specific crimes like fraud related to food stamps (SNAP), Social Security, mail, and identification documents as reasons for inadmissibility and deportation.
What is the real world impact?
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Makes non-violent financial crimes a reason for deportation
Classifies various types of fraud, such as misusing food stamps or Social Security, as offenses that can get a non-citizen kicked out of the country. Critics may argue this is too harsh for non-violent crimes.
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Protects taxpayer-funded programs
Aims to protect public money by ensuring that non-citizens who illegally receive federal, state, or local benefits cannot enter or remain in the United States.
When does this start?
The changes would take effect as soon as the bill is signed into law.