Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced, H.R. 2406, the Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal (CLEAR) Act of 2009. The bill’s key goal is “helping local law enforcement detect, arrest and detain illegal aliens in their communties.”
The CLEAR Act would authorize the Federal government to reimburse states and localities for up to $400 million per year for the costs of incarcerating illegal aliens. Pres. Barack Obama’s FY2010 budget proposal eliminates all funding for this program, the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP). In addition to continuing the funding for SCAAP, the CLEAR Act also would provide the following enhancements to promote effective enforcement of immigration law:
Recognition of the inherent authority of states and localities to enforce immigration law;
Improved information sharing between state and local governments and the federal government;
A mandate for the federal government to expeditiously remove criminal aliens being detained by states and localities; and
Increased federal resources for local governments that choose to assist in immigration enforcement.
The CLEAR Act has 19 original cosponsors who will be recognized on the NumbersUSA front page over the upcoming weeks.
For those of you who do not have House Members sponsoring the bill, there is a fax on your Action Buffet urging them to do so.
Take Action
Your voice counts! Let your Member of Congress know where you stand on immigration issues through the Action Board. Not a NumbersUSA member? Sign up here to get started.
Donate Today!
NumbersUSA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that relies on your donations to works toward sensible immigration policies. NumbersUSA Education & Research Foundation is recognized by America's Best Charities as one of the top 3% of well-run charities.
Immigration Grade Cards
NumbersUSA provides the only comprehensive immigration grade cards. See how your member of Congress’ rates and find grades going back to the 104th Congress (1995-97).