Sam Graves Introduces Bill Targeting Illegal Immigrant Population

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Sam Graves today introduced legislation forcing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deport illegal immigrants living in America on expired visas. H.R. 4726, the Preventing Illegal Visa Overstays Act, will withhold pay for the Secretary of DHS until the Department enforces standing visa laws.

"This week we tragically saw what can happen when we fail to enforce immigration laws," Rep. Graves said. "There are 12 million illegal immigrants in this country – drawing welfare benefits, sending their children to public schools, and pushing down wages for American workers – but the problem extends well beyond amnesty and open borders."

DHS is currently responsible for making sure all immigrants temporarily living in the U.S. do not overstay their visas. In order to prevent people from slipping through the cracks and remaining here illegally, the Department is required to use a process known as ‘biometric exit tracking' at all domestic air, sea, and land ports. In many cases, DHS fails to fulfill that responsibility – and in others it ignores the requirement entirely. Rep. Graves' bill changes that.

"If we don't enforce visa laws, we basically have open borders," Rep. Graves continued. "DHS has got to take advantage of the technology we have to keep illegal immigration numbers down, and my bill will make sure that happens. It's not just a matter of economic security, it's a matter of national security.

DHS' failure to follow biometric tracking laws adds millions to the illegal immigrant population. Congress examined this issue in a hearing earlier this year, where it was estimated that as many as 40% of all people living in America illegally are here on expired visas. H.R. 4726 will require DHS to utilize the biometric exit tracking system, withholding pay from its Secretary until that happens.

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