Shortly after the controversial acquittal of the man who murdered Kate Steinle, POW Report reached out to Senator Dan Sullivan for a comment, the following is his response:
Thank you for contacting me regarding S.87, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act as well as S.45, Stop Illegal Reentry Act (commonly referred to as Kate’s Law). I appreciate your thoughts on this issue and welcome the opportunity to respond.
On January 5, 2017, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced S. 45 to address concerns of illegal reentry into the United States. The legislation would impose a minimum sentence of five years on anyone who unlawfully reenters the United States after previously being deported.
On January 10, 2017, Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) introduced S. 87 to address concerns over sanctuary jurisdictions shielding illegal immigrants. A “sanctuary city” is a state or locality that forbids its local law enforcement from sharing information with federal immigration officials, or prohibits local officials from holding an illegal immigrant up to 48 hours, in order to allow federal officials time to take custody. The legislation would withhold certain grants to sanctuary jurisdictions which, by definition, have chosen not to abide by federal immigration laws. This bill also increases the maximum penalties for illegal reentry by immigrants and increases penalties for those who have been removed from our country more than three times. Additionally, this bill creates a minimum sentence for any person who illegally reenters our country and has an aggravated felony prior to removal.
These issues received national attention after the murder of Kate Steinle in San Francisco. The man charged with Steinle’s murder was a repeat drug offender and illegal immigrant who chose to reside in San Francisco because of the city’s sanctuary policies. Both sanctuary policies and illegal reentry into the United States, particularly after committing a crime while in the United States, are violations of federal law.
America is a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws and it is our duty to maintain an orderly system of entry into our country. For centuries, new immigrants to America have provided our country with energy and vitality. Providing sanctuary for those illegally in our country sends the message that the United States does not enforce its laws. There is no doubt that our country benefits from immigrants, but we should be rewarding those who have taken the legal path to immigration, rather than those who break the law.
Last Congress, I supported and voted for S.3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act of 2015, sponsored by Senator Toomey. However, S.3100 did not receive the necessary 60 votes to advance this bill to a final vote in the U.S. Senate.
Both S. 45 and S. 87 have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where they await consideration. I strongly support both bills, and will continue to closely monitor immigration issues as well as keep your views in mind should this, or any more relevant legislation, come to the Senate floor.
Thank you again for contacting me on this issue. If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff. My office can be reached at 202-224-3004, or online at www.sullivan.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Dan Sullivan
United States Senator
Speaking as the offspring of a parent who came here legally as an adult...Hear! Hear! My mother learned English, studied to become an American citizen, and loves this country and its rich heritage. Coming from a country that oppressed its citizens, she values the vision of our Founding Fathers and the rich and remarkable legacy they gave the citizens of this country - Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and its Christian Heritage. Though we enjoyed the foods, history, and culture of my mothers country of birth...my mother came, stayed, and continues to contribute at 89 years old to this country because she was always American in her heart. She is who this country should welcome with open arms. Not those who have so little respect for the borders and laws of this country like the killer of Kate Steinle. I hope they take it to the Supreme Court.
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