Washington D.C. – Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) today voted for three major pieces of legislation that will help increase border security and crack down on illegal immigration.  The three bills were the Illegal Immigrant Deterrence and Public Safety Act, the Border Security Enhancement Act, and the Effective Immigration Enforcement and Community Protection Act.

“These three bills can make an immediate impact in securing our borders and strengthening our nation.  They are a step in the right direction, but more still needs to be done.  Congress needs to actually fix our broken immigration system, by solving the entire problem,” Cannon said.

Highlights of the three bills include:

The Illegal Immigrant Deterrence and Public Safety Act

Reaffirming the Authority of State and Local Law Enforcement to Enforce Immigration Laws.  The Illegal Immigrant Deterrence and Public Safety Act reaffirms the inherent authority of state and local law enforcement to voluntarily investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain and transfer to federal custody illegal immigrants.  Many state and local law enforcement officers want to assist in the enforcement of immigration laws, and they can play a valuable role in assisting federal law immigration officers.

The Border Security Enhancement Act

Expediting the Removal of Alien Criminals.  The Border Security Enhancement Act allows the Department of Homeland Security to use the same expedited procedures available for the removal of aggravated felons to remove other criminal aliens who are not permanent residents and are otherwise ineligible for relief.  At the present time, these aliens are placed in lengthy removal proceedings even though they are not eligible for any relief.

The Effective Immigration Enforcement and Community Protection Act

Imposing “Catch & Return”, instead of “Catch & Release.”  The Effective Immigration Enforcement and Community Protection Act helps close loopholes that have hurt the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to enforce immigration laws.   Many criminal gangs have exploited these loopholes, which this bill would help close.

Detaining and Deporting Alien Gang Members.  The Effective Immigration Enforcement and Community Protection Act toughens laws against alien gang members.  Under the bill, an illegal immigrant who is found to be part of a criminal street gang would be subject to detention, deportation, and would be ineligible for receiving asylum or temporary protected status.