WICKER.SENATE.GOV2 Hours Ago

Wicker Votes 'No' on Immigration Reform Bill

by Roger Wicker

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted to oppose passage of the immigration reform bill, S. 744, known as the "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act."

"I voted against passage of the immigration bill because the legislation is deeply flawed and if enacted would not fix our broken system," Wicker said. "The Corker-Hoeven amendment, in my view, improved the enforcement provisions of the bill. However, more work needed to be done to alleviate my concerns – and those of my constituents – to ensure that we stop the current onslaught of illegal immigration once and for all."

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 68-32.

Below are descriptions of six amendments that Senator Wicker introduced to improve the immigration reform bill. These amendments were not included in the Senate-passed bill.

End 'Sanctuary Cities': The term refers to any state or jurisdiction that has a policy, practice, or law that prohibits state or local police from assisting federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. Under theWicker amendment, these jurisdictions would be denied State Criminal Alien Assistance Program funds and law enforcement grants from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice.

The amendment would encourage information-sharing by law enforcement officials and stipulate that individuals who violate the immigration law are included in the National Crime Information Center Database. Finally, it would ensure states have access to federal technology that is helpful in identifying immigrants who are inadmissible or deportable.

Double the Penalty Fees: This amendment would double the penalties – from $1,000 to $2,000 – that illegal immigrants must pay at various steps in the legalization process. A $1,000 penalty amounts to far less than what is often paid to so-called "coyotes" who help smuggle people across the border.

Require the DHS Secretary to Adjust All Fees and Penalties for Inflation: This amendment would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to adjust penalties and fees annually for inflation, just as many other federal programs do. Adjusting for inflation annually would help ensure that the fees are actually effective in covering some of the bill's implementation costs, as intended.

Prohibit Applicants Who Have Filed Frivolous Applications for Asylum: By law, those who knowingly file a frivolous application (containing statements or responses that are deliberately fabricated) are permanently barred from receiving any benefits under the "Immigration and Nationality Act." The Wicker amendment would strike the ability of illegal immigrants to apply for provisional legal status if they have previously filed a frivolous application for asylum.

Expedite the Removal Proceedings of Illegal Immigrants with Serious Criminal Offenses: This amendment would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to initiate expedited removal proceedings against those who are deemed ineligible for provisional legal status because they belong to a gang; have committed an aggravated felony; or committed an offense against a child or a domestic violence offense.

Ensure Those Found Ineligible Have Their Provisional Legal Status Revoked: This amendment would clarify that the Secretary of Homeland Security should revoke the provisional legal status of an applicant if he or she is found to be ineligible; used fraudulent documentation; or did not fulfill the continuous physical presence requirement in this bill.

Wicker Votes 'No' on Immigration Reform Bill
http://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=00ab0125-1110-4004-a887-9e5bd1430fb4

John Hames