ATLANTA—Georgia State Representative Clay Cox (R-Lilburn) has introduced legislation to increase penalties for illegal immigrants convicted of committing a felony or a misdemeanor while in this country.
House Bill 838 would require that an illegal immigrant convicted of a felony crime while in this country serve five years in prison in addition to any other punishment provided under the law including increased likelihood of deportation. An additional ten years in prison would be required if a firearm was used in the commission of a convicted felony by an illegal immigrant. For convictions of a misdemeanor by an illegal immigrant, HB 838 would require no less than a two year prison term served in addition to any other punishment. Misdemeanor convictions involving the use of a firearm would carry an additional ten year prison sentence for illegal immigrants.
“Community safety is one of my top priorities and it is my hope that the longer prison sentences in this legislation will deter illegal immigrants from engaging in criminal activity,” Cox said. “However, for those who choose to enter our country illegally and then engage in criminal activity, they must understand that we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law including possible deportation and if this legislation is adopted, we will make sure they are put behind bars for an extended period of time where they will no longer be a threat to our citizens.”
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