Blog: Visa Security - It Is About Time!
Statement
My Chairman on Judiciary, Lamar Smith (R-TX) today introduced the Secure Visas Act (HR 1741).
I am very proud to be an original co-sponsor, along with Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), Steve King (R-Iowa), & Ted Poe (R-Texas). HR 1741:
* Ends Judicial Review for Revocation of Terrorists' Visas: The bill makes clear that revocation of an alien's visa is not subject to judicial review. Under current law, if an individual is denied a visa by the consular officer, there is no judicial review of that decision. However, if an alien entered the United States on a visa and their visa is subsequently revoked, they are entitled to fight their deportation case in court. H.R. 1741 simply applies the same review standard to visa revocations that is currently applied to visa denials.
* Maintains and Increases Visa Security Units in "Highest-Risk" Countries: The Secure Visas Act also mandates that DHS maintain U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Visa Security Units (VSU) at the 19 consular posts that already have them and expand units to the numerous posts that ICE has designated as "highest-risk." Some of these "highest-risk" countries include Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, Lebanon and Algeria. VSUs are critical for national security: at VSU-staffed consular posts, 100% of applicants receive additional screening; at non-VSU posts, fewer than 2% of applications get extra screening.
This is another step in securing our borders. In addition to HR 1741, I have also co-sponsored legislation to:
* End the visa "lottery"
* End birthright citizenship
* Empower local law enforcement to enforce immigration law
* Make English the official language of the United States
* Prohibit federal funds for sanctuary cities
* E-verify
* and more...
We must control our borders and identify everyone in our country illegally. As I have said time and time again, America is nation blessed by a rich diversity but a unifying heritage. We are a blessed nation of opportunity, but also a nation of laws. Americans of the past, and Americans of the future, should always wish it to be so.
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