More than 60 House Democrats backed a GOP bill that would make sexual and domestic violence deportable offenses, marking the second bipartisan immigration bill to pass the chamber this Congress.
The bill, led by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), earned 10 more Democratic votes than the 51 who backed it in the last Congress. Many Democrats who supported it were from purple districts, but some in solidly blue seats also voted for it, including Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), Sarah McBride (D-Del.), and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).
Congressional Democrats are under intense pressure from the GOP majority to vote for immigration and crime-related bills. The House passed the Laken Riley Act — which mandates detaining undocumented immigrants who are charged with burglary or theft — as its first bill of the new Congress last week. The Senate is currently debating amendments to add to that legislation.
Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), who represents a battleground district, said she voted for the legislation “because it further reiterates that sexual and domestic abuse are serious crimes under the law, delivering justice for victims and making our communities safer for everyone.”
Still, other Democrats in purple districts expressed serious reservations about the bill. First-term Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.) said it could create an unintended chilling effect for victims of sexual abuse, who might fear they could be deported if they report the crime.
“This bill empowers rapists and criminals, putting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault — including those who are in this country legally — at risk,” Min said in a statement. “Rather than protecting the vulnerable, this bill will enact horrific consequences on survivors.”
