Congressman Pat Harrigan Votes to Deport Fraudsters Who Steal American Taxpayer Benefits

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) voted in favor of H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act, legislation that clarifies individuals convicted of defrauding the United States government or unlawfully receiving public benefits are inadmissible and deportable under federal immigration law.

“If you come to this country and steal from the American people, you should not get to stay here,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Americans work hard, pay their taxes, and follow the law, and they deserve to know their government will protect those resources. The Deporting Fraudsters Act closes loopholes that have allowed individuals who commit fraud against the United States to remain in this country and even seek immigration benefits. If you cheat the American taxpayer, you should be deported and barred from immigration relief.”

The legislation clarifies that noncitizens convicted of offenses involving fraud against the United States government or the unlawful receipt of federal, state, or local public benefits are both inadmissible and deportable. The bill applies to crimes including fraud involving Social Security numbers, SNAP benefit fraud, theft or bribery involving federally funded programs, mail fraud, major fraud against the United States, and other schemes designed to unlawfully obtain taxpayer-funded benefits.

Following House passage, the Deporting Fraudsters Act now moves to the Senate for consideration. Congressman Harrigan urged his colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up and pass the legislation to ensure individuals who defraud the American people cannot remain in the United States.