If it were only that, we could have a
discussion which, unfortunately, we never did on a bipartisan basis. The bill does other things that are very damaging. It actually makes
it a felony, punishable by up to 2 years, to attempt to reenter the
country legally, in full compliance with our immigration laws; and this
is true for individuals who have no criminal background whatsoever. Now, the sponsors of the bill may argue that is necessary, but I have
seen no rationale for why that would make any sense, nor why it would
certainly not have prevented the tragic murder of Kate Steinle. Now, let's give some examples of who that could apply to. You have
individuals who have lived here, we have met them, DREAMers, people who
have been here all their lives, brought over as children, who were
removed. If that person who has been removed becomes a victim of sex
trafficking, the process is this: They can come and seek asylum. They
can flee from their traffickers. And if they present themselves to our
port of entry today, they are not trying to evade detection.
Keywords matched
immigration seek asylum