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The U.S. House of Representatives approved a controversial law on Tuesday that facilitates the deportation of undocumented immigrants accused of minor, non-violent crimes, such as theft or shoplifting.
The measure, which is moving forward with the support of the majority of Republicans, also received backing from 48 Democratic representatives, sparking a debate within the party and reinforcing political polarization on the issue of immigration.
The law, which was passed with an overwhelming majority, aims to strengthen immigration policies and is part of Donald Trump's promises to intensify the crackdown on irregular immigration.
The legislation is named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered last year in Georgia by a migrant who had previously been arrested for shoplifting. This tragic story was used by lawmakers as the primary impetus for the creation of the law.
The bill will now go to the Senate, where it is expected to receive bipartisan support as well and could be approved on Friday.
If ratified, the law would expand the grounds for the deportation of migrants, including those facing charges for minor offenses such as shoplifting, thereby allowing federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants accused of such violations.
The support of 48 Democrats for the measure has been interpreted by some media outlets, such as The New York Times, as an attempt by legislators from this party to moderate their rhetoric on immigration following the electoral defeat they suffered in November.
Some members of the Democratic Party have chosen to adopt more hardline positions on this issue, seeking to align themselves with the demands of an electorate that calls for greater firmness in immigration management.
On the other hand, the Democrats who have opposed the law have described the measure as unconstitutional, warning that it delegates authority for federal immigration policy to conservative state attorneys general.
Furthermore, they criticize that the law could lead to greater criminalization of immigrants, rather than focusing on policies that seek inclusive and humanitarian solutions.
The approval of this law represents a significant step forward in the Republican agenda on immigration and adds to a broader package of measures that Republicans aim to promote after winning the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate during the November elections.
It could also mark the beginning of a tightening of immigration laws by Donald Trump, who promised during his campaign that he would carry out one of the largest mass deportations in American history during the term that begins on the upcoming January 20.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deportation Law for Undocumented Individuals for Minor Offenses in the U.S.
What does the new law approved by the House of Representatives imply for undocumented migrants?
The new law passed by the U.S. House of Representatives facilitates the deportation of undocumented migrants accused of minor and non-violent crimes, such as shoplifting or petty theft. This measure aligns with Donald Trump's promises to tighten immigration policies and increase crackdowns on irregular immigration.
What is the objective of the Laken Riley law?
The law is named after Laken Riley, a young woman murdered by a migrant who had been arrested for shoplifting. The aim of the law is to broaden the grounds for deportation to include migrants accused of minor offenses, thereby strengthening security and immigration control policies in the United States.
What political impact has the approval of this law had in the U.S.?
The approval of the law has sparked significant debate within the Democratic Party and has reinforced political polarization around the issue of immigration. Some Democrats have supported the measure, while others consider it unconstitutional and warn that it could further criminalize immigrants instead of seeking humanitarian and integrative solutions.
What is expected to happen in the Senate with this law?
The law is expected to receive bipartisan support in the Senate and could be approved soon. If ratified, the law would allow federal authorities to detain undocumented migrants accused of minor crimes, thereby expanding the grounds for deportation.
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