House Passes Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Offenses

The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 18 passed a bill that would authorize deportation of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of a sex offense such as soliciting a minor to engage in sexual conduct. Members voted 266–158 to send the bill introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) to the Senate. All Republicans who lodged a vote were in favor of the bill, while 51 Democrats voted in favor and 158 voted against. Known as the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, the bill would add to federal immigration law that any illegal immigrant who has been convicted of or has admitted to carrying out sex offenses such as possession of child pornography and soliciting a minor to engage in sexual conduct would be inadmissible to the United States and shall be deported if already inside the country....