House Passes Coast Guard Reauthorization Act with Tough Immigration Provisions

Targeted News Service
October 26, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C.


Rep. Gary Miller, R-Calif. (42nd CD), issued the following news release:

On Friday, the House approved a Coast Guard Reauthorization bill to authorize $10 billion in Fiscal Year 2010.

Among its various provisions, the legislation includes language similar to Congressman Miller's LEAVE Act to increase penalties for knowingly bringing illegal aliens into the United States, transporting illegal aliens within the United States, harboring illegal aliens, or encouraging illegal aliens to enter the country.

In particular, the measure increases prison sentences for any immigration offense, including paid smugglers and immigration crimes that result in bodily injury. Furthermore, the legislation creates three new penalties for cases not addressed in current law.

Specifically, the measure stipulates prison sentences for individuals who illegally bring family members into the United States; sets penalties for illegals engaged, or intend to engage in terrorism; and allows life imprisonment for cases that involve kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.

Congressman Miller is pleased the House has strengthened penalties for those who recklessly disregard our nation's immigration laws and will continue working in Congress to find solutions to end our illegal immigration problem.

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