Making Prison Terms Longer for Crimes Committed by Unauthorized Immigrants Who Illegally Reentered the U.S. (H.R. 5526)

What is H.R. 5526?

(Updated October 24, 2019)

This bill — known as the VOICES Act — would direct the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise its guidelines to make unlawful presence and crimes committed by an unauthorized immigrant who illegally reenters the country aggravating factors for federal crimes. Unauthorized immigrants who unlawfully reenter the country after being deported and injure another person in the course of a crime would face a prison term of 10 to 20 years, while crimes resulting in the death of another person would lead to a sentence of 20 to 40 years. Prison sentences served in state correctional facilities for state crimes wouldn't be allowed to count toward federal sentences.

The VOICES Act’s full title is the Peter, Ellie, and Grayson Victims of Illegal Criminal Entry Act. It’s named after Peter Hacking, a lawful immigrant and volunteer firefighter, and his two children — 4-year old Ellie and 22-month old Grayson were killed an unauthorized immigrant was driving without a license after illegally reentering the U.S. who was sentenced to two years in state prison.

Argument in favor

Unauthorized immigrants who are deported and illegally reenter the U.S. and subsequently commit crimes that injure or kill Americans should face longer prison terms.

Argument opposed

Increasing prison terms for crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants won’t deter illegal immigration or criminal activity, it’ll only increase federal prison costs.

Impact

Unauthorized immigrants convicted for federal crimes; and the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

Cost of H.R. 5526

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) introduced this bill to strengthen legal punishment for crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants after they’ve illegally reentered the country:

“My heart was broken when I learned about the devastating loss of Peter, Ellie and Grayson. This tragedy was caused by someone who was here illegally in the first place. And worse yet, our current laws allowed him to escape with what equated to no additional punishment on top of his existing sentences. I’m glad my colleagues are joining me in my fight to ensure that future tragedies like this will be properly deterred by stopping illegal criminal aliens from falling through the cracks of our criminal justice system. We owe the victims’ families nothing less.”

This legislation has the support 18 of cosponsors in the House, all of whom are Republicans.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) Press Release
  
• The Hill
  
• The Ripon Advance