Sen. Tony Rand’s bill called Limited Release from Prison for Deportation (Senate Bill 1955) was heard in the House Judiciary II committee at 10 am today. As Sen. Rand (D-Cumberland) explained it, an illegal alien who committed a non-violent crime, served half their sentence and promises (yes that is correct) not to return to the US, would be released for deportation. Non-violent offenses that would apply include a DWI, breaking and entering, possessing stolen goods, and possession of marijuana, hashish and certain other drugs. If the criminal reenters the US he or she would have to serve the remainder of their sentence.
A couple of problems here. The most obvious is believing promises made by a convicted criminal who is already here illegally. What would the criminal have to lose under this deal? Is the next step releasing all criminals if they promise to behave?
Only one committee member asked a question. Rep. Joe Kiser (R-Lincoln), a former sheriff, asked what prevents the criminal from changing names or getting false identification to re-enter. Rand responded that there is nothing to prevent that and he would hope if the criminal reenters the US they would have enough sense not to come back to NC.
The bill passes unanimously by a voice vote. Gee, I feel safer. How about you?
