Rigell Supports Bill to Defund President's Immigration Executive Order

Press Release

House Republicans today passed the FY15 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act, which included five critical amendments directed at reversing President Obama's recent executive orders that unlawfully changed our nation's immigration policies. The underlying bill and the five amendments, all of which Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02) supported, defund the President's executive order that unlawfully granted amnesty to nearly five million illegal immigrations, makes important improvements to existing immigration policies, and reallocates funding to increase support for customs and border protection. The bill protects American citizens by requiring immediate deportation for any illegal immigrant convicted of an offense involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, child molestation, or child abuse. This legislation is the last of the 12 annual funding bills to be considered for the remainder of the current fiscal year, and will now go to the Senate for consideration.

Rigell, who has advocated for an immigration plan that prioritizes border security and enforcement and makes it easier to immigrate to the United States legally, and more difficult to enter our country illegally, said, "President Obama's executive orders focused on immigration have been irresponsible. His statements have created an environment where many are led to believe that if you can get here, you can stay here. That is why the legislation passed by the House today was necessary. It ensures that no taxpayer dollars will be used to enforce President Obama's immigration executive action. Furthermore, it reinforces the policy of the United States that illegal immigration will not be rewarded with amnesty."

The DHS Appropriations Act of 2015 provides $39.7 billion in discretionary funding for DHS, an increase of $400 million compared to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. Additionally, the bill increases border security and enforcement -- including all operational, counterterrorism, and threat-targeting activities, and essential tactical equipment.

"As I serve our district, I am ever mindful of the invaluable contributions that immigrants have made in shaping our country," Rigell continued. "I remain committed to advocating for policies that elevate our nation's values on immigration while ensuring that the values that make our homeland so special, including the rule of law, are not diminished. I thank Chairman Rogers and my other colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for bringing this important legislation to the floor, and I encourage President Obama to sign it as soon as it reaches his desk."

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