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House Bill Would Double Sentences for Immigrant Smuggling

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The House voted Oct. 3 to double criminal sentences for those involved in smuggling illegal immigrants into the country.

The legislation, passed by voice, would establish mandatory minimum sentences for immigrant-smuggling crimes and make fines for those convicted of smuggling equivalent to twice the amount the smuggler received for the crime.

Bill sponsor Rep. James Rogan, R-Calif., said it would curb “inhumane trafficking in human lives.”

“What was once a trickle of aliens smuggled by a disparate band of individuals has today grown into an international trade ring, comparable in size and scope to the drug trade,” he said.

The legislation would also double over five years the current force of 260 federal agents working to prevent smuggling along American borders. Those using firearms in immigrant smuggling operations would receive an additional five years on their sentence.

Smugglers of Chinese immigrants charge as much as $50,000 per person. The current fine is $3,000. A similar bill is being considered by the Senate.