S. 3606 is a proposed law that aims to make it easier to deport non-citizens who have been convicted of fraud and to strip citizenship from naturalized citizens found guilty of similar offenses. Introduced in the 119th Congress, this bill is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
What This Bill Does
S. 3606 proposes changes to immigration and citizenship laws in the United States. If passed, it would allow the government to deport non-citizens who are convicted of fraud. This means that if someone who is not a U.S. citizen is found guilty of committing fraud, they could be sent back to their home country.
Additionally, the bill would give courts the power to revoke the citizenship of naturalized U.S. citizens who are convicted of fraud. Currently, revoking citizenship requires a separate legal process. Under this bill, the same court that convicts a person of fraud could also take away their citizenship at the same time.
The bill is designed to streamline the process of dealing with fraud-related crimes among immigrants and naturalized citizens. By allowing courts to handle both the conviction and the citizenship revocation in one step, the bill aims to make the legal process more efficient.
Why It Matters
This bill could have significant impacts on immigrants and naturalized citizens in the U.S. For non-citizens, a fraud conviction could lead to deportation, which means they would have to leave the country and return to their country of origin. This could affect families, jobs, and communities.
For naturalized citizens, the stakes are even higher. A fraud conviction could not only result in legal penalties but also the loss of U.S. citizenship. This means they could lose their right to live and work in the U.S., vote in elections, and enjoy other benefits of citizenship.
Supporters argue that the bill would help protect the integrity of the immigration system and ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable. Opponents, however, worry about the potential for unfair targeting and the consequences for families and communities.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: The bill's financial implications, such as costs related to increased deportations and legal proceedings, have not been detailed.
- Timeline for Implementation: The bill is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee; no specific timeline for implementation has been established.
- Number of People Affected: The exact number of people who could be affected by this bill is not clear, as it depends on the number of fraud convictions among non-citizens and naturalized citizens.
- Key Dates: The bill was introduced on January 8, 2026, and is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Sponsorship: The bill is sponsored by six Republican senators, indicating a focus on stricter immigration enforcement.
- Current Status: As of now, the bill has not passed either chamber of Congress and remains in committee.
Arguments in Support
- Protecting the System: Supporters believe the bill would help maintain the integrity of the immigration and naturalization system by ensuring that those who commit fraud are not allowed to stay in the country.
- Efficiency: By allowing courts to handle both conviction and citizenship revocation in one step, the bill aims to streamline the legal process and reduce the burden on the judicial system.
- Deterrence: Proponents argue that the bill would deter fraud by imposing stricter consequences, thereby reducing fraudulent activities.
- Public Safety: Some supporters claim that removing individuals who commit fraud could enhance public safety by ensuring that lawbreakers are not allowed to remain in the country.
Arguments in Opposition
- Risk of Unfair Targeting: Critics worry that the bill could lead to unfair targeting of immigrants and naturalized citizens, especially those from marginalized communities.
- Family Separation: Opponents argue that deportation and denaturalization could lead to family separations, affecting children and other family members who are U.S. citizens.
- Due Process Concerns: Some critics are concerned that the bill could undermine due process by allowing citizenship to be revoked without a separate legal proceeding.
- Impact on Communities: There are fears that the bill could have negative effects on communities, particularly those with large immigrant populations, by creating fear and instability.