Senate Republicans are focusing on closing a longstanding immigration loophole. According to them, the Biden administration has greatly exploited this loophole. This initiative, led by Sen. Katie Britt from Alabama, aims to stop detained illegal immigrants from being released into the U.S. when their home countries refuse to accept their return.
Britt articulated to Fox News Digital that her proposal, known as the Keeping Our Communities Safe Act, targets closing a gap established in 2001. This occurred when the Supreme Court ruled detained illegal immigrants could be released after six months if deportation was not possible.
“Ultimately, we want to create pathways for these people to go back to the country they came from,” Britt stated. She emphasized the importance of keeping detainees until a return pathway is found, adding that the Biden administration heavily exploited this gap.
Over two decades ago, a court ruling limited federal powers to detain illegal immigrants beyond a specific timeframe. After six months, if removal seems unlikely, evidence must be presented to justify continued detention. If not, the person is released under supervision.
Britt’s bill amends sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This law, originating in the 1950s, forms the backbone of U.S. immigration policy. The proposed changes aim to strengthen the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to detain criminal aliens and restrict bond availability unless the immigrant can prove they are not a flight risk or danger.
The legislation seeks to extend detention in various situations, such as when the individual poses a national security threat or has committed serious crimes.
This bill has circulated in Congress since 2011. Britt has also pushed for its passage during the Biden administration. It currently has backing from 11 Senate Republicans, including Sens. Tom Cotton, Tommy Tuberville, and Ted Cruz, among others.
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital, Tuberville expressed concerns about illegal immigration under the current administration. He stressed the need to deport those involved in criminal activities.
Reporter Alex Miller covers the U.S. Senate for Fox News Digital.