The U.S. Senate is one step closer to passing a critical piece of immigration legislation, the Laken Riley Act, spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), after the legislation cleared another hurdle in the Senate on Friday.
The bill, named after a Georgia student tragically murdered by an illegal alien last year, would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses. The legislation also would mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot re-offend and commit further crimes.
The Senate is expected to pass the legislation this week.
Britt said during an interview on Alabama's Morning News with JT on NewsRadio 105.5 WERC on Friday, "... We've had obviously continual dialogue with our friends across the aisle, attempting to continue to build support for this because it is a commonsense, life-saving bill."
"The American public spoke loud and clear on November 5th. They want secure borders. They want us to make progress on keeping our communities and our children safe. And that is exactly what this does. So it is a targeted bill that would have, if it had been enacted into law, saved Laken Riley's life. Her killer would not have been on the street," Britt said.
Friday's vote was the last procedural hurdle for the legislation, which needed 60 votes for cloture in the Senate, advancing by a vote of 61-35 with ten Democrats crossing the aisle to vote in favor. The Laken Riley Act, which has 53 cosponsors, faces one more simple majority vote in the Senate. The bill will then head to the U.S. House again due to the addition of an amendment expanding the list of criminal offenses in the bill to include assault of a law enforcement officer. Earlier in January, 48 Democrats in the House crossed the aisle to vote in favor of the legislation.
Britt said in a statement to 1819 News about the Laken Riley Act, "I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who came together to protect our communities."
"With today's strong vote, we are in the final sprint to getting the Laken Riley Act across the finish line, honoring her legacy and making America safer," Britt said.
The bill is expected to become one of President-elect Donald Trump's first pieces of legislation he will sign into law in his second term.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
