On Thursday, House Republicans passed a bill aimed at preventing convicted and suspected gang members from entering the United States. The bill, dubbed the “Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act,” would also make gang-affiliation a deportable offense.
The only Republican to oppose the measure was Justin Amash, an open-borders proponent who is a part of the “libertarian” movement and represents Michigan’s 3rd District.
Many Democrats in Congress openly opposed the bill despite its stated goal of combatting violent gang activity inside the United States. “This legislation is an assault on the basic due process protections afforded to everyone in our nation,” claimed Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham, Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has made it a priority to crack down on gang activity in the United States. Proponents of this bill claim it will help with that mission by targeting dangerous gangs like MS-13.
Stopping likely criminals from entering the United States is a key part of preventing crimes against Americans. It proactively heads-off lawlessness before it happens by refusing visas to applicants who have ties to gangs, cartels and/or other criminal organizations.
While passing this bill through a gridlocked Senate is likely a longshot, it’s encouraging to see the House take positive steps in combatting dangerous gangs like MS-13, and the criminal illegal immigration that accompanies their movements.