Bill would allow immediate deportation of illegal aliens convicted of non-violent crimes

publicopiniononline.com

Date: 04/04/2012 07:31:34 AM EDT

HARRISBURG - Senator Rich Alloway II, R-Chambersburg, plans to introduce legislation in the near future that would allow illegal aliens who are convicted of non-violent crimes to face deportation hearings immediately.

Under current law, illegal aliens who are convicted of non-violent offenses are not subject to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hearing until after they serve their minimum sentence and are released on parole.

"It is unreasonable for the state to pay for several years to incarcerate criminals who will immediately face deportation upon their release," Alloway said. "This step would ensure taxpayers are not asked to foot the bill for the exorbitant costs of incarcerating illegal aliens."

There are currently 265 non-violent illegal alien offenders being housed in state prisons across the Commonwealth, and dozens more enter the system each year. Alloway's legislation could save state taxpayers approximately $1.5 million per year.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections John Wetzel recently endorsed the concept of Alloway's legislation as an important step to reduce prison costs.

source: Bill would allow immediate deportation of illegal aliens convicted of non-violent crimes - Chambersburg Public Opinion