[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 2 (Thursday, January 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE ALIEN SMUGGLER PUNISHMENT ACT

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                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, on the streets, they are known as 
``Coyotes.'' To law enforcement officials they are known simply as 
smugglers. Every night along our 1000-mile borders with Mexico, 
hundreds of undocumented aliens are loaded into vans, trucks, car 
trunks, and other concealed hiding spots. They all hope that the few 
hundred dollars they paid will get them across the border. Often, it is 
not. For many, the story ends in robbery, violence, rape or worse.
  Today, I am introducing the Alien Smuggler Punishment Act, which 
increases the minimum penalties for criminals convicted of smuggling 
aliens into the United States. This legislation is designed to send the 
message that preying on innocent victims and then escaping across the 
border will no longer be tolerated.
  Under current law, an alien smuggler can be sentenced to as little as 
18 months in prison, even if the criminal was armed. Under this bill, a 
judge will have stricter guidelines when sentencing armed smugglers. 
This legislation will ensure that convicted alien smugglers, 
particularly those who carry guns, face penalties as stiff as those of 
convicted drug dealers and other violent criminals.
  Mr. Speaker, efforts to stop the damage to this nation caused by 
illegal immigration are routinely thwarted by alien smugglers. These 
criminals ignore our nation's laws and take advantage of those 
incapable of protecting themselves. It is my hope that the Alien 
Smuggler Punishment Act will dramatically reduce the practice of alien 
smuggling.

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