Mr. Chairman. I support the intent of the gentleman from Iowas amendment. which is to ensure that persons who have been convicted of certain types of abuse be prevented from sponsodng the immigration o1 family members whom they may. in tum. abuse. However. while noble in its intent. this amendment is overly broad and could have serious. negative. unintended consequences on innocent immigrants. as it is currently drafted. First. it threatens the operation of the family reunification system. Every U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident who files a petition to bring a family member here to join them would become subject to criminal background checks. Not only does this raise privacy concerns. but it also raises constitutional concerns by limiting the rights of some U.S. citizens to live here with their immediate family members.
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immigrants family reunification immigration