Ratcliffe votes to strengthen nation’s immigration laws

(ROCKWALL, TX – June 29, 2017) Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) voted for two bills that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today to strengthen our nation’s immigration laws and enhance the safety of the American people: the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003) and Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004).

“I’ll never forget the call I received a little over a year ago informing me that three of my constituents – Fire Captain Peter Hacking, just 39 years old, his daughter, Ellie, only 4 years old, and his son, Grayson, just 22 months old – had all been killed in a tragic car accident caused by a previously deported illegal alien,” Ratcliffe said.

“The bills we just passed are about compassion – they’re about ensuring justice for the Hacking Family, and for all the victims of violent crimes that have been committed in our country due to the failure – or even outright refusal – to enforce the laws of the land.”

The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act punishes states and localities for refusing to turn over criminal aliens to federal authorities by banning them from receiving certain federal funds – instead, diverting those funds to states and localities that actually comply with federal law. It also allows DHS to refuse to transfer aliens to states and localities that have failed to cooperate with federal authorities.

Kate’s Law creates stronger penalties for aliens who illegally reenter the United States, and it applies even harsher penalties for those who’ve been previously convicted of crimes. It is named after Kate Steinle, who was gunned down two years ago by a five-time deported criminal illegal alien with seven prior felony convictions.

“I’m glad my colleagues joined me in taking bold action to say that we will no longer tolerate the circumvention of our immigration laws, and I’m very grateful we’ve finally got an administration in the White House that’s willing to work with us – not against us – in this important fight,” Ratcliffe said.

Submitted press release.

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