GOP introduces bill to impose new penalties on non-citizen criminals
A Republican-led initiative spearheaded by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., proposes stringent new penalties for non-citizens convicted of crimes while protesting.
The “No Visas for Violent Criminals Act,” introduced on Wednesday, aims to deport non-citizens found guilty of such offenses. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., with Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., introducing a companion bill in the House.
Immediate visa revocation and expedited deportation
According to the bill’s language, a non-citizen convicted of a crime would immediately lose their visa and face deportation within 60 days.
“The Biden administration’s inaction against pro-Hamas mobs has only emboldened these extremists,” Sen. Cotton stated. “Our legislation makes clear that a green card does not give individuals the right to break our laws in support of anti-Semitic views.”
Recent protests prompt legislative response
The proposal comes in the wake of anti-Israel demonstrations in Washington, D.C., following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the burning of the American flag by some protesters.
“I condemn the burning of the American flag,” Harris said. “That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way.”
Trump’s stance on flag desecration
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, suggesting that flag burners should face a year in prison.
“Now, people will say ‘oh, it’s unconstitutional,’” Trump remarked. “Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that. We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence. When they’re allowed to stomp on the flag and put lighter fluid on the flag and set it afire — when you’re allowed to do that, you get a one-year jail sentence and you’ll never see it again.”