Today, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Press Secretary Tyler Q. Houlton released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to void certain aspects of the aggravated felony ground of deportability.

"Today’s ruling significantly undermines DHS’s efforts to remove aliens convicted of certain violent crimes, including sexual assault, kidnapping, and burglary, from the United States. By preventing the federal government from removing known criminal aliens, it allows our nation to be a safe haven for criminals and makes us more vulnerable as a result. The Secretary has met with hundreds of members of Congress over the last few months to implore them to take action on passing legislation to close public safety loopholes, such as these, that encourage illegal immigration and tie the hands of law enforcement.”

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