The "BE GONE Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse in the definition of aggravated felonies.
Joni Ernst
Senator
IA
The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse in the definition of aggravated felonies. This change would mean immigrants convicted of these crimes would be subject to deportation.
BE GONE Act Expands 'Aggravated Felony' Definition Under Immigration Law to Include Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Violence
The "BE GONE Act" aims to tighten U.S. immigration law by broadening the definition of what's considered an "aggravated felony." Specifically, this bill amends Section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to add sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence to the list of crimes that trigger this serious classification for non-citizens. The main purpose is to ensure that convictions for these particular offenses carry severe immigration consequences.
The 'Aggravated Felony' Label: Why It Matters in Immigration
Okay, so what's the big deal about an "aggravated felony" under immigration law? Think of it as a major red flag. If a non-citizen, even someone legally residing in the U.S. with a green card, is convicted of a crime classified as an aggravated felony, the fallout for their immigration status is typically harsh. We're talking about a high likelihood of deportation and being barred from re-entering the country. The BE GONE Act, through Section 2, directly targets this by adding "sexual assault" and "aggravated sexual violence" to the list of offenses defined under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means convictions for these crimes would automatically get this serious label.
On the Ground: What This Change Means for Individuals
This isn't just legal paperwork; it has direct, real-world impact. For any non-citizen convicted of sexual assault or aggravated sexual violence, this bill would classify their crime as an aggravated felony from an immigration standpoint. This significantly ramps up the chances of facing deportation and severely limits their avenues to challenge removal from the U.S. The clear intention here is to strengthen the legal basis for removing individuals who have committed these specific violent offenses. While "sexual assault" and "aggravated sexual violence" are terms most people understand, their precise legal interpretation within this federal immigration framework will be crucial as this change is applied.