WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) introduced the Federal Immigration Law Compliance Act of 2016 (FILCA) in the House, with co-sponsors from California to New York to Florida. FILCA requires any entity receiving federal funds, including institutions of higher learning, to comply with all lawful requests made by federal immigration enforcement authorities. Should the entity refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement requests that entity will be subject to a withholding of all federal funding.

“Congress has the responsibility to protect the rule of law in our country and provide for the safety of our citizens. We need to focus on protecting American citizens and those who are in this country legally, instead of providing shelter for those who have violated our immigration law and entered this country illegally. If any entity refuses to comply with federal immigration law, they should be denied federal money until they come into compliance,” said Congressman Harris.

FILCA also explicitly authorizes federal immigration authorities to make requests for information regarding illegal immigrants of any institution or entity receiving federal funds. Additionally, in the case of state or local law enforcement in custody of an illegal alien, the bill explicitly authorizes federal officials to request that the state or local authority retain custody until the federal authorities can assume custody of that illegal alien.

“The American people have spoken loudly in this past election that they want federal immigration law enforced,” added Congressman Harris.

###