House Passes Bill Targeting Welfare Fraud By Illegals Despite Dem Opposition

Democrats largely opposed the bill, arguing that existing law already allows for the deportation of noncitizens convicted of fraud. They characterized the legislation as unnecessary and duplicative.

“Another week, another redundant and completely unnecessary immigration crime bill,” Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., said. Democrats also raised concerns about due process, arguing the bill could allow for deportation before a criminal conviction is secured. They warned that such a provision could prevent alleged victims from having their cases heard in court.

“By bypassing the conviction requirement, this legislation would hand a liberal get-out-of-jail free card to immigrants who commit fraud by deporting them without going through the criminal justice system and giving their victims a day in court,” Raskin said.