Ted Cruz, John Cornyn Seek to Deport Illegal Aliens Convicted of Fatal DUIs

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R) and John Cornyn (R) are leading new legislation aimed at closing immigration loopholes that allow illegal aliens convicted of drunk driving offenses resulting in death or serious injury to remain in the United States.

The Texas Republicans joined colleagues in introducing the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act. This bill would classify DUI and DWI offenses causing serious bodily injury or death as aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The designation would ensure offenders can be arrested, detained, deported, and permanently kept from obtaining legal immigration status, including asylum or a green card.

Sen. Cruz said the legislation is necessary to protect American communities and empower law enforcement.

"This legislation closes a legal loophole that has prevented and would continue to prevent law enforcement from protecting Americans," said Cruz. "It will directly contribute to making our communities safer, and I urge my colleagues to advance it without delay."

Sen. Cornyn emphasized that the bill targets individuals who not only enter the country unlawfully but also endanger lives.

"Zero mercy should be shown to illegal aliens who not only defy our laws by unlawfully entering the country but also take it a step further to drive drunk, threatening American lives," said Cornyn. "If you enter the country illegally and harm innocent citizens, we will find you, we will punish you, and we will make sure you never step foot on American soil again."

Under current law, illegal aliens convicted of DUI or DWI are subject to removal, but lawmakers argue that enforcement gaps allow repeat offenders to reenter the country and commit additional crimes.

The proposed legislation would strengthen immigration consequences by permanently barring convicted offenders from lawful status and prioritizing their removal.

The bill has garnered support from immigration advocacy groups, including the Border Trade Alliance, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, and NumbersUSA.

It is also cosponsored by senators from both parties, including Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who said serious DUI offenses must carry clear consequences to ensure a "fair, orderly, and humane immigration system."

By reclassifying the most serious DUI offenses as aggravated felonies, Cruz and Cornyn argue that the legislation puts public safety first and ensures immigration law is enforced consistently.

Cosponsors not listed above:

• Ted Budd (R-NC)
• Thom Tillis (R-NC)
• Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)
• Bill Hagerty (R-TN)
• John Kennedy (R- LA)
• Eric Schmitt (R-MO)
• James Lankford (R-OK)
• Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)