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Forbes Announces Support for Broad Immigration Reform Legislation
Alien Gang Removal Act Introduced by Forbes Included in Legislation

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Washington, Dec 7, 2005 - Today, Congressman J. Randy Forbes announced that he is cosponsoring legislation that will assist in controlling our Nation’s borders and strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws. H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 will hold violators of immigration laws accountable, including employers who hire illegal aliens, those who smuggle human beings, and illegal aliens who are vicious gang members.

“America is only as secure as its weakest link, and currently, unchecked immigration failures are among our nation’s greatest vulnerabilities,” Forbes said. “One of our top priorities should be defending America’s borders and identifying and combating illegal immigration, not accommodating those who break these laws.”

The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 incorporates the Alien Gang Removal Act (AGRA), H.R. 2933 introduced by Congressman Forbes earlier this year. The AGRA would designate aliens who are members of violent criminal gangs as an inadmissible and deportable class under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Some highlights of H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 include:
- Combats hiring of illegal workers;

- Increases penalties for alien smuggling;
- Cracks down on alien gang members;
- Increases penalties for aliens reentering illegally;
- Makes aggravated felons inadmissible;
- Fosters cooperation between border sheriffs and federal law enforcement;

- Allows for the continued detention of dangerous aliens who pose a threat to Americans; and,
- Bars aliens who are terrorists or security threats from becoming U.S. citizens.

The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 will be considered tomorrow, Thursday, December 8, 2005 by the House Judiciary Committee with House consideration expected next week.

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