61 Democrats Join GOP to Pass Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants for Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes

Opponents of the bill said it may backfire and hurt victims of domestic violence.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) in Washington in a file photo. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The House on Jan. 16 passed legislation that will deport illegal immigrants convicted of domestic violence or sexual assault. All Republicans were joined by 61 Democrats to push the bill through with a vote of 274–145.

The legislation, known as the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act and introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), also renders these individuals inadmissible for immigration to the United States.