TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey’s congressional delegation was sharply divided in a recent vote on the “Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act,” a bill that would allow for the deportation of undocumented immigrants convicted of sex offenses and domestic violence.
The bill, which seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, would make individuals convicted of sex crimes, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, or violations of protection orders both inadmissible to the United States and subject to deportation.
The legislation defines deportable offenses to include sex crimes as outlined in the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and domestic violence as defined in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
The New Jersey delegation’s vote fell largely along party lines, with Democratic members split and Republicans voting in favor:
Voted Yea:
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D)
- Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R)
- Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D)
- Rep. Chris Smith (R)
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R)
Voted Nay:
- Rep. Rob Menendez (D)
- Rep. Donald Norcross (D)
- Rep. Frank Pallone (D)
- Rep. Shavonda Sumter McIver (D)
- Sen. Nellie Pou (D)
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)
Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens protections for victims of violent crimes and ensures accountability for serious offenses.
“Individuals who commit horrific crimes like sexual assault or domestic violence should have no place in our communities,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who voted in favor.
Opponents, however, raised concerns about due process, potential overreach, and the broader impact on immigrant communities.
The bill remains a point of contention as it moves forward in Congress.