Cassidy Introduces Bill to Curb Illegal Immigration

Press Release

Today, Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a bill to stop the increasing number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) from illegally entering the United States. A companion to Senator David Vitter's bill introduced last week in the U.S. Senate, the legislation would expedite the deportation process, reform existing immigration laws and send a clear message that illegal immigration will not be tolerated.

Dr. Cassidy offered the following statement:

"Securing our borders and sending a clear message that illegal immigration is not tolerated in the U.S. must be a priority. The number of unaccompanied children crossing the borders is growing--largely because of the President's own executive orders. President Obama has a responsibility to enforce our immigration laws and support policies that discourages illegal immigration. This responsibility might be at the bottom of the President's to-do list, but I can assure Louisiana families that it is at the top of mine."

The Cassidy bill would:

Require mandatory detention of all unaccompanied alien children (UAC) upon apprehension
Give UAC the option to voluntarily depart
Place UAC that do not voluntarily depart in a streamlined removal process and held at the border
Ensure all UAC who do not have a claim for asylum are given a final removal order and placed on the next available flight to their home country--subject to cost, feasibility and any repatriation agreements with the individual's home country--within 72 hours of their initial screening
Require the Secretary of State to include the penalties for illegal immigration in public service announcements aired on television, radio, and internet in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico
Require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report annually to Congress on the number of apprehensions, number of deportations, number of voluntary departures and number of asylums granted. A voluntary departure must not be counted as a deportation
Prohibit local or state governments from receiving federal reimbursements for detaining illegal aliens if that city or state also has laws that prevent the government's ability to receive or send information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual.

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