WASHINGTON – A conservative response to America's long-simmering immigration dilemma was defeated narrowly in the US House Thursday, and many were surprised that one of Illinois' leading Republicans voted against the measure – veteran Congressman Peter Roskam.
Roskam, who is normally a dependable Republican conservative vote, joined the Democrat delegation from Illinois and voted "No" on Congressman Bob Goodlatte's H.R. 4760.
What exactly would Congressman Goodlatte's immigration have done, and why would the Congressman – who could be facing a tough election in November – have voted against it?
The Republican Policy Committee offered this explanation of H.R. 4760's effects:
- Would end the diversity program and chain migration by eliminating the visa lottery green card program and green card programs for relatives other than spouses and minor children.
- Would increase immigration levels for skilled workers while creating an agricultural guest worker program.
- Would authorize construction of a border wall, add 5,000 Border Patrol Agents and 5,000 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers
- Would allow the National Guard to provide aviation and intelligence support for border security operations.
- Would mandate E-Verify to ensure employers are hiring only legal workers.
- Would authorize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withhold law enforcement grants from sanctuary cities and allow victims to sue the sanctuary cities that release their attackers.
- Would permit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain dangerous illegal immigrants who cannot be removed and enhance criminal penalties for deported criminals who illegally return to the U.S.
- Would allow for the detention of minors apprehended at the border with their parents.
- Would allow individuals who received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to get a 3-year renewable legal status allowing them to work and travel overseas. No gang members or those with criminal convictions would be eligible for legal status.
Why did Congressman Roskam disagree? We're not sure. Despite numerous other position statements on other legislation, no statement addressed his opposition to H.R. 4760. While the bill had 99 Republican co-sponsors, none of them were from Illinois.
Since the measure did not obtain the needed 218 votes, US House Republican leadership says they'll be considering a compromise plan next week.
The Illinois delegation vote on H.R. 4760:
