Skip to Content

Press Releases

Putting The Safety Of Americans First

Congressman Gosar Reintroduces Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act

The lack of clarification in our laws regarding criminal alien eligibility for removal cripples the ability to keep our communities safe.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Paul Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-04)  reintroduced Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act, which aims to ensure that non-citizens, convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors, are removable. This language avoids loopholes, simplifies the code (making it clear who does or doesn’t qualify) and gives codified guidance to the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.

“I support putting the safety of American citizens first," said Congressman Gosar.“The lack of clarification in our laws regarding criminal alien eligibility for removal cripples the ability to keep our communities safe. This legislation would close an existing  loophole that puts American citizens in danger by allowing violent and recidivist criminal aliens to remain in, and return to, our communities. It is my hope that my colleagues across the aisle will join in putting the well-being and safety of U.S. citizens ahead of those who have come to America and broken our laws.” 

Background: 
See full bill text HERE.

Last year, the Supreme Court invalidated 118 U.S.C. § 16(b) as incorporated into the aggravated felony definition in section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The original intent of this provision was to remove aliens convicted of violent crimes. The ruling created a loophole where criminal aliens, including felons, would be allowed to stay, and could even be allowed to come back.  

Cosponsors: U.S. Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Ted Budd (R-NC-13) , Scott DesJarlais, (R-TN-4), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-3), Bob Gibbs (R-OH-7), Louie Gohmert (R-TX-1), Ralph Norman (R-SC-5), Scott Perry (R-PA-10), Tom McClintock (R-CA-4), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-5), Mark Meadows (R-NC-11), Steve King (R-IA-4), Jody Hice (R-GA-10), Duncan Hunter (R-CA-50), Ken Buck (R-CO-4)