H.R. 875 Gets New Sponsors
Yesterday, 2/26/25, the 119th session of the U.S. Congress had three more House members become co-sponsors of H.R. 875. As introduced on 1/31/25 by Rep. Barry Moore (R) of Alabama’s District 1, the present title of the proposed law is “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that aliens who’ve been convicted of or who have committed an offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired are inadmissible and deportable.” Now at 23 co-sponsors, all Republicans thus far, the newest Representatives to back the bill are Andy Biggs of Arizona’s 5th District, Thomas P. Tiffany of Wisconsin’s 7th District, and Ben Cline of Virginia’s 6th District.
Full Text of Bill Coming Soon?
The bill was being worked on in the House Judiciary Committee, and also yesterday, the committee held a session to consider and mark-up the proposed legislation, and then the bill was ordered to be reported (amended) by voice vote. So, H.R. 875 may be presented to the full House of Representatives soon.
Legal and Illegal Aliens Affected?
Per U.S. immigration law, an “alien” is a person who isn’t a U.S. citizen or national. See 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Thus, if the text follows the title, even lawful permanent residents, i.e., green card holders who are legally allowed to reside in the U.S. permanently, would be at risk for deportation if convicted for driving while under the influence. I’m no Nostradamus, but I’ll go out on a limb and predict operating any motorized mode of transportation while under the influence will fall under the bill’s prohibitions. Whether the proponents’ intent is to include lesser offenses where alcohol was involved (e.g. reckless driving or following too close to another vehicle and causing a minor fender bender) will soon be revealed.