US House Passes Anti-Immigrant Bills, Cracks Down on 'Sanctuary Cities'

By teleSUR

30 June 17

In the latest efforts to paint immigrants as "criminals," President Trump applauded the latest anti-immigrant bills, claiming that they would "save and protect American lives."

he United States House of Representatives passed two bills which will crack down on illegal immigration, withholding federal funding from “sanctuary cities,” and increasing legal penalties for immigrants who return to the United States after being deported.

A vote of 228-195 passed the “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act,” that withholds federal funds from sanctuary cities that provide protection to illegal immigrants from federal immigration authorities.

A vote of 257-167 passed “Kate's Law,” which cracks down on immigrants who attempt to return to the United States after having already been deported. Lawmakers named the bill for Kate Steinle, who was killed in San Francisco in 2015. An undocumented immigrant was charged with the murder.

President Trump reserved his highest praise for the bills, citing the need to “save and protect American lives.”

“I applaud the House for passing two crucial measures to save and protect American lives. These were bills I campaigned on and that are vital to our public safety and national security,” the President said in a statement.

Promoting the notion that undocumented immigrants are “criminals,” and “dangerous,” Trump promoted both bills by featuring speeches by parents of people who have allegedly been killed by undocumented immigrants.

The claim that cracking down on undocumented immigrants will “save” lives contradicts data that shows that immigrants commit less crime than other demographic groups.

The “No Sanctuary” act, which prohibits cities from restricting police officers from asking individuals about immigration status, and withdraws funding from cities that provide legal protection to undocumented immigrants, is a follow up to Trump's campaign rhetoric against sanctuary cities.