Number: RL33109
Title: Immigration Policy on Expedited Removal of Aliens
Authors: Alison Siskin and Ruth Ellen Wasem, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: In the 110th Congress, bills have been introduced that would expand expedited removal (H.R. 519 and H.R. 3638), codify current policy (H.R. 750, H.R. 2413,H.R. 2954, and H.R. 4065), or add new protections for those in expedited removal (S. 1639). Proponents of expanding expedited removal point to the lengthy procedural delays and costs of the alien removal process. They cite statistics that indicate that the government is much more successful at removing detained aliens (aliens in expedited removal must be detained) than those not detained. They argue that aliens who entered the country illegally should not be afforded the due process and appeals that those who entered legally are given under the law. They point to the provision added to INA in 1996 that clarified that aliens who are in the United States without inspection are deemed to be "arriving" (i.e., not considered to have entered the United States and acquired the legal protections it entails). Advocates for requiring mandatory expedited removal maintain that it is an essential policy tool to handle the estimated 12 million unauthorized aliens in the United States.
Pages: 18
Date: January 30, 2008