# Plain Language Summary: Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act of 2021

This bill would make it easier for the government to deport immigrants who have criminal convictions. Specifically, it changes the rules so that any non-citizen who is convicted of a felony (a serious crime) or two misdemeanors (less serious crimes) would automatically be considered deportable. Currently, immigration law has more complicated rules about which crimes lead to deportation, and judges sometimes have discretion to consider individual circumstances before ordering someone removed from the country. This bill would remove much of that flexibility and make deportation mandatory based on the conviction alone.

The practical effect is that immigrants—including legal permanent residents (green card holders)—could face deportation for a wider range of criminal offenses than under current law. For example, someone convicted of two misdemeanors that might not currently trigger deportation proceedings could now be deported. This applies to any crime conviction that happens after someone is admitted to the country, whether it's a state crime or a federal crime. The bill doesn't distinguish between different types of misdemeanors or consider factors like how long someone has lived in the country, whether they have family here, or the severity of their crimes.

This would significantly impact immigrant communities and mixed-status families, where a criminal conviction could result in immediate deportation proceedings. It would also affect the immigration court system by potentially increasing the number of deportation cases. Supporters argue it's necessary for public safety and enforcing immigration law, while critics contend it removes judicial discretion and could lead to harsh outcomes in cases where circumstances might warrant leniency.

Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act of 2021

Gosar, Paul A.

Criminal Alien Removal Clarification Act of 2021 </s> This bill subjects to deportation an alien who at any time after admission has been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors under state or federal law. Currently, an alien is subject to deportation for a single conviction for certain felonies (such as an aggravated felony), two or more convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, or being a drug addict.