Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Joni Ernst have introduced the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at deporting illegal immigrants convicted of sexual offenses and preventing their entry into the United States. This legislative move comes in response to a report indicating that 16,320 illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions are currently residing in the country.

The proposed BE GONE Act seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by categorizing sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as "aggravated felonies." Senator Marshall expressed concerns about current border policies, stating, “Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s open borders agenda is flooding our communities with dangerous individuals who are putting American citizens in harm’s way.” He emphasized the need for congressional action to prioritize American safety.

Senator Ernst echoed these sentiments, asserting that enhanced border security could have prevented these individuals from entering the U.S. “These violent criminals never would have entered America in the first place if we had real border security," she said. Her legislation aims to identify, stop, and deport predators who pose a threat to public safety.

Retired Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tom Homan praised Senator Ernst's efforts, noting her commitment to public safety. NumbersUSA Director of Federal Affairs Michael Hough also supported the bill, calling it "common sense legislation" necessary for protecting Americans.

Dan Stein, President of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), highlighted what he described as an "historic crisis" at U.S. borders under current administration policies. He cited data showing 16,320 aliens in the U.S. convicted of sexual assault as evidence of this crisis and expressed FAIR's support for the BE GONE Act.

The introduction of this bill underscores ongoing debates over immigration policy and public safety within Congress.