5/24/07 - Mandatory minimums in immigration bill
Many thanks to the 90 FAMM members who took time to call your senators in opposition to the mandatory minimums included in the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, S. 1348. The bill was discussed on the floor of the Senate yesterday. Unfortunately, Senator Graham (R-S.C.) offered an amendment to add harsh, unnecessary mandatory minimums to the bill. While a few senators voiced their opposition to the amendment, including Senator Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Senator Bingaman (D-N.M.), it was eventually accepted by a voice vote.
Senator Graham’s amendment would create several new mandatory minimums, including a 60-day mandatory minimum for any individual who illegally reenters the United States after being removed from the country at least once before. While immigration laws in this country may need to be reformed, they do not need mandatory minimums.
Mandatory minimums cast a wide net, harshly punishing individuals whom Congress never intended to punish. Furthermore, they prevent judges from considering the circumstances of the case, the person’s role in the offense or the likelihood of rehabilitation. If we have learned anything in our years of working for sentencing reform, it is that good policy is the product of careful, informed deliberation, not haste!
S. 1348 still has a long way to go before it becomes law and members of the Senate who oppose Senator Graham’s amendment will likely try to modify it before the bill becomes law. FAMM will keep you updated on the progress of the legislation through e-alerts and our website, www.famm.org.