Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act

This bill lets the Department of Homeland Security detain and quickly deport noncitizens who are tied to criminal gangs, linked to foreign terrorist groups (including those who gave support), or convicted of certain crimes. It lists many crimes, such as any felony; crimes against children (including sex trafficking or sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation material); sexual offenses; domestic violence; stalking; assaulting a police officer; and violating a protection order. People who fit these categories cannot get “withholding of removal,” a form of protection from being sent out of the country. The bill also defines “vulnerable group” as children under 16, pregnant women, people with severe disabilities, and adults over 65, and notes that even a misdemeanor against someone in a vulnerable group can trigger fast removal .

Here are the basics:

• Who is affected: Noncitizens involved with criminal gangs or foreign terrorist organizations, or those convicted of listed crimes; and victims in “vulnerable groups” when a misdemeanor is committed against them .
• What changes: Mandatory detention and expedited removal for people who meet these criteria; no eligibility for withholding of removal .
• When: The text provided does not state an effective date .

Small reference table:

• Affected individuals: Noncitizens tied to gangs/terror groups or convicted of listed crimes; victims include vulnerable groups .
• Crimes that trigger fast removal: Any felony; misdemeanor against a vulnerable person; assault on a law enforcement officer; sexual offenses; domestic violence; stalking; crimes against children; sexual exploitation material; violating a protection order .
• Relief limits: Not eligible for withholding of removal .