Since clandestine means of investigation are often needed to build cases against alien smuggling rings. the bill would authorize INS to conduct wiretaps for alien smuggling investigations. Finally. the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute would be amended so its penalty and forfeiture provisions could be used against alien smuggling organizations. The proposal also would expand the ability of law enforcement personnel to forfeit the proceeds of illegal alien smuggling. such as cash and bank accounts. In addition to this bill. our efforts to combat alien smuggling include strengthening law enforcement efforts and attacking smuggling operations at the source. The Federal Government already has begun interdicting and redirecting smuggling ships. where feasible. in transit to the United States. INS is detaining aliens who enter the United States in conjunction with criminal smuggling activities. The Department of Justice. consistent with due process and existing laws. is expediting the adjudication of entry claims raised by migrants who are the victims of organized criminal smuggling schemes. All of these actions. taken together. signal the United States abhorrence of the trafficking in human beings for profit and our determination to combat this illegal activity. At the same time. they reaffirm our Nations commitment to safeguarding the protection of bona fide refugees. I urge the prompt and favorable consideration of this legislative proposal by the Congress.
Keywords matched
refugees migrants illegal alien