HR-7959 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 7959, also known as the "Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling Act" or the "SHIELD Act," proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act regarding inadmissibility and deportability related to squatting.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Inadmissibility: Amends Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to render inadmissible any alien who has been convicted of, admits to having committed, or admits to committing acts that constitute trespass, as defined by the relevant jurisdiction's laws. This applies regardless of whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
• Deportability: Amends Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to make deportable any alien who has been convicted of, admits to having committed, or admits to committing acts that constitute trespass, as defined by the relevant jurisdiction's laws. This also applies regardless of the classification of the offense.

In essence, the SHIELD Act aims to strengthen immigration enforcement by targeting individuals who engage in trespassing or squatting, making them subject to inadmissibility or deportation from the United States.