Smith Sends Letter to MADD on Senate Amnesty Bill

Press Release

Smith Sends Letter to MADD on Senate Amnesty Bill

Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) today asked Mothers Against Drunk Drivers President Glynn Birch to insist that the Senate add a requirement to its immigration bill that would make drunk driving a deportable offense.

"MADD speaks with great moral authority," Smith wrote in his letter. "I ask you to use that authority to support the Cornyn amendment."

The Senate's amnesty bill, as introduced, does not change current law to make drunk driving a deportable offense. However, an amendment by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) that would address this issue is expected to come up for a vote when the Senate resumes debate June 4. Smith asked MADD to support the amendment.

Smith pointed to the recent case of Alfredo Ramos to illustrate the need for the provision.

"According to news reports, Mr. Ramos, an illegal immigrant, killed two teenage girls in Virginia Beach, Virginia when he caused an automobile accident while driving under the influence of alcohol," Smith explained. "He had previous convictions for similar offenses, but he was not deported."

"If he had been, these girls would be alive today," concluded Smith. "While his case occurred a few weeks ago, it is only one of many in which illegal immigrants with DUI convictions have not been deported."

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