Speech #1030118437

I am pleased to join as a sponsor with Senator BRYAN of this criminal alien amendment. As my colleagues know. I have spoken a number of times in recent weeks concerning the urgent need to reform our nations immigrant policies. More importantly. I have introduced S. 1351. the Immigration Stabilization Act. which is a comprehensive bill to overhaul these outdated laws. Criminal aliens are an important aspect of the immigration crisis our nation is experiencing. and title IV of S. 1351 contains criminal alien reform provisions that embody the same basic concepts that are in this amendment. including: expanding the definition of an "aggravated felony": streamlining the deportation and review procedures for aliens convicted of such felonies. allowing judges to issue deportation orders at sentencing hearings. restricting defenses to deportation for criminal aliens. and enhancing penalties for failing to depart or for reentering after final orders of deportation. No one who serves in the Senate needs to be reminded that the people of this country are clamoring for something to be done about the plague of violent crime throughout our nation. No one who serves in Congress needs to be reminded that there is not nearly enough money for more police. more judges. more prisons and for all the other important social service and infrastructure needs facing our Nationnot at the federal level. not at the state level and not at the local level.