House Passes Bill on Deporting Sex Offenders

The House of Representatives passed the 'Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,' which mandates the deportation and inadmissibility of noncitizens convicted of sex offenses, domestic violence, and related crimes, in a 266-158 vote. The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, received unanimous Republican support and was backed by 51 Democrats, while 158 Democrats voted against it. Proponents argue it protects women and children from dangerous individuals, while opponents, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Rep. Jerry Nadler, criticize it as xenophobic fearmongering that could harm domestic violence victims and immigrant communities. The bill's passage highlights a shift among some vulnerable Democrats toward stricter immigration policies ahead of the November elections.