Dozens of House Democrats joined with Republicans to pass a bill that would deport immigrants convicted of sexual offenses. Reports indicate that several of the Democrats are electorally vulnerable, and commentators suggest the party is exhibiting a shift to the right on immigration as election day looms.
The Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act passed through the House of Representatives by 266 votes to 158 and with the support of 51 Democrats, including Mary Peltola of Alaska, Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez of Washington, and Hillary Scholten of Michigan.
In addition to expelling migrants convicted of sex crimes, the legislation will disqualify those convicted of similar offenses in their own countries from entering or staying in the US. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who backed the bill, said she expected more Democrats to vote against it and denounced those who did so as “sexist against women.”
Some Democrats, however, condemned the bill as “xenophobic” and a further attempt by Republicans to demonize immigrants. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, for instance, described the legislation as “another partisan bill that fear mongers about immigrants.” She added that lawmakers should instead work together to “fix the immigration system.”
Nevertheless, recent activity shows growing numbers of Democrats willing to cross the aisle and vote with Republicans on migration-related matters. In May, 54 Democrats backed GOP legislation that would deport migrants who assault law enforcement officers – which passed the House by 265 to 148 votes. Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota condemned the Democrats who refused to back the bill, saying they had prioritized illegal immigrants over brave police officers and proven they are “the most anti-law enforcement party in history.”
Two months earlier, in March, 37 Democrats joined Republicans to pass the Laken Riley Act, but this was later blocked in the Senate. The Act required the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to detain and deport all immigrants who committed theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses, and allowed state attorneys general to sue the Department of Homeland Security if federal immigration policy resulted in harm to their citizens. The bill passed through the House by 251 votes to 70.
