Vote Explainer - H.R. 7909 - Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, I voted against the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (H.R. 7909). 

Stopping violence against women perpetrated by anyone is imperative. We absolutely cannot tolerate any violence committed by anyone who has come to this country illegally. But this bill does not actually fix a problem. While its name may sound nice, there is more to the story if you actually read its text. 

First and foremost: Under current law it is already a deportable offense to commit domestic abuse or sexual violence.

On top of that, this particular bill is so poorly written that, under its terms, women who are victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence could be penalized and subject to deportation. There is no world in which punishing the victim of sexual violence is the right thing to do. 

(Updated January 2025): I remain eager to meet Republicans halfway on common sense immigration reform - such as the compromise that Trump and House Republicans killed in late 2024 for political expediency.