The law to deport immigrants for minor offenses has been passed by the U.S. Congress.

By Hom Lamsal,

The situation for illegal immigrants was already tough, and now there is a law passed by the U.S. Congress that could lead to deportation for even minor mistakes committed by immigrants. This bill, which reached the U.S. Congress after an undocumented immigrant killed an American citizen, was passed with a majority of Republican and Democrat lawmakers in favor. With President Donald Trump’s arrival, this law is especially harsh for immigrants who were already in fear. After this bill was passed by the U.S. Congress, a path has been opened to deport undocumented immigrants who have been charged with minor nonviolent offenses.

The bill mainly includes provisions for the deportation of undocumented immigrants who have only been charged, not necessarily convicted. Specifically, it provides clear guidelines for detaining undocumented immigrants charged with theft, robbery, burglary, or nonviolent crimes.

What’s more important is that 48 Democratic lawmakers also supported this bill, joining Republicans to vote 264 in favor and 159 against. This bill will now go to the Republican-controlled Senate on Friday, where there is a majority of 53 Republican senators. To advance the bill in the Senate, 60 votes are required, and Republicans will need to gain the support of eight Democratic senators. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has already shown support for this bill as a co-sponsor.

The bill also gives state attorneys general the authority to file charges against any undocumented immigrant who commits a crime harming the state or its residents. This provision is expected to be considered in the coming days.

How did this harsh bill for immigrants come about?

The “Laken Riley Act” is related to the tragic death of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley from the University of Georgia, who was killed by an undocumented immigrant last year. The bill is named after Riley, and it targets individuals like José Antonio Ibarra from Venezuela, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in November for the murder of Riley.

Riley was murdered by an illegal immigrant. “Laken Riley’s murder is considered an unbearable and horrific crime, and as a result, a law will be created in her name,” lawmakers stated. The bill aims to reform the broken U.S. immigration system and take meaningful steps to prevent such crimes. José Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, was convicted of murdering Laken Riley in November and sentenced to life in prison. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the “Laken Riley Act” on Tuesday, marking the first bill passed by the new Congress. This bill continues the campaign by Donald Trump and his Republicans, who prioritized immigration in the November elections. Georgia Republican lawmaker Mike Collins stated that, because current laws are unable to arrest and deport those committing minor crimes, criminal activities are on the rise, making communities more unsafe.