H.R. 128

The Respect for the Law Act of 2009

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) introduced H.R. 128, “the Respect for the Law Act of 2009” on January 6. The legislation would replace civil penalties for undocumented immigrants who fail to voluntarily leave the country after being permitted to do so by the Attorney General with criminal fines and imprisonment, including a mandatory minimum sentence of one year.  The bill also sets a minimum sentence of one year for deportable undocumented immigrants who have willfully failed or refused to depart from the United States or present themselves for removal within the time required. 

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. FAMM does not support this legislation. 

• Click here to read the bill summary, see cosponsors and get other information on this bill.