http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/
Cornyn/Kyl Passes

Statement from Sen. Cornyn: "This amendment passed with overwhelming, bipartisan support, yet just a few weeks ago the minority leader wouldn't even allow a vote on it because it was not, it in his opinion, a good amendment. But this amendment simply closes a loophole and strengthens the bill, and it will help keep Americans safe by ensuring that no felons or repeat criminal offenders will receive amnesty or citizenship."

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Kyl amendment (SA 4027 [submitted for himself, Cornyn, Graham, Allen, McCain, Frist, Brownback, Martinez, Hagel, and Alexander])
Summary: Prohibits an illegal alien from being eligible for amnesty if he/she: (1) is subject to a removal (except for removal solely on grounds of inadmissibility based on illegal entry, unlawful presence, or failure to maintain legal immigration status); (2) fails to depart during a period of voluntary departure; (3) has been convicted of a felony or at least three misdemeanors; (4) is subject to reinstatement of a removal order after illegal reentry; or (5) has been determined by DHS to constitute a danger to homeland security or to have committed a serious crime outside the United States prior to his or her arrival, or the community of the United States. Authorizes DHS to waive these barriers to amnesty if an alien was ordered removed on the basis that he/she entered without inspection, failed to maintain status, or was ordered removed prior to April 7, 2006, and: (1) demonstrates that he/she did not receive notice of removal proceedings; or (2) establishes that his/her failure to appear was due to exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the alien (e.g., serious illness of the alien, serious illness or death of the alien’s spouse, child, or parent).

99-0 PASSED