Squatting would be a deportable offense under Gonzales bill

Any illegal alien convicted of squatting would be deported and unable to reenter the United States under a Republican bill supported by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX). 

The congressman on April 12 signed on as a cosponsor of the Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling (SHIELD) Act, H.R. 7959, which U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) sponsored on April 11 alongside five original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA).

“Everything this border crisis touches turns to ash,” said Rep. Gonzales. “The SHIELD Act will help safeguard our streets from illegal immigrants who unlawfully stay on private property.”

H.R. 7959 is necessary due to recent increases in cases of illegal immigrants trespassing in American homes, particularly after a Venezuelan TikToker urged fellow migrants to exploit adverse possession laws in the U.S., according to Rep. Gonzales’ staff.

If enacted, the legislation would amend the Immigration and Nationality with respect to the inadmissibility and deportability related to squatting, according to the bill’s text. 

“We must put an end to the lawlessness that is sweeping communities across the country because of the border crisis,” Rep. Gonzales said. “I look forward to working with Rep. Dan Meuser to get this legislation across the finish line.”

H.R. 7959 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

“The dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes is yet another example of how the disastrous situation at our southern border is impacting communities across the country,” said Rep. Meuser. “This legislation will serve as a deterrent to illegal aliens contemplating violating the homes and properties of American citizens.”