Proposal Would Curb Illegal Immigration
WASHINGTON — The Clinton Administration proposed legislation Wednesday to curb illegal immigration, with plans to hire more Border Patrol agents and speed the deportation of people entering the country unlawfully.
The legislation also is aimed at smugglers of illegal immigrants, making use of federal racketeering law so that smuggling rings are treated the same way as other types of organized crime. That would boost possible sentences of less than a year to as much as 20 years.
In the case of a mass migration problem, the legislation would enable the attorney general to declare an emergency, allowing removal from the country without a hearing before a judge.
On a more routine basis, the bill eliminates a layer of judicial review when people are denied admission to the United States and appeal their claims. Instead of going to U.S. district courts, the appeals would go to federal appeals courts.
The bill also provides for 700 more Border Patrol agents to be hired over three years.
Initial GOP reaction to the measure was favorable.
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