Derek Schmidt (R-KS)
State Partnerships to Enhance Removal of Criminal Aliens Act
A Republican bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "State Partnerships to Enhance Removal of Criminal Aliens Act," seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter into written agreements with states to permit state-employed licensed attorneys to perform certain Department of Homeland Security counsel functions in removal proceedings at the state's expense. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of an "aggravated felony" to include various offenses, such as certain crimes involving drugs, firearms, theft, and violence, even if they are not specifically classified as aggravated felonies under previous standards. The legislation also adjusts how "particularly serious crimes" are determined for immigration purposes.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this tighten control of the border?
The bill enhances border security and enforcement by allowing state attorneys to assist in removal proceedings.
- Scored +4
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
The bill empowers states to participate in the federal removal process at the state's expense.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands federal oversight of state attorneys performing DHS functions.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -8
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill increases the severity of crimes leading to removal and expands the roles of those prosecuting them.
- Scored -7
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?
The bill creates harder barriers to legal status by expanding the definition of aggravated felonies.
- Scored -6
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?
The expanded felony definitions and increased enforcement mechanisms disproportionately impact Hispanic communities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Removal Proceedings Efficiency: The bill allows for state-employed licensed attorneys to act as counsel for the Department of Homeland Security in removal proceedings (Section 2, paragraph (h)(1)). This could potentially streamline the legal representation process for the government during these proceedings.
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Expanded Identification of Serious Crimes: By expanding the definition of "aggravated felony" and "particularly serious crime," the bill provides a framework to categorize more offenses—such as certain thefts, crimes of violence, or drug offenses—as significant legal triggers for immigration consequences (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden on States: Under the proposed agreements, state officers or employees performing the functions of Department of Homeland Security counsel would do so "at the expense of the State" (Section 2, paragraph (h)(1)).
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Broader Scope of Criminal Consequences: The bill significantly expands what qualifies as an "aggravated felony" and a "particularly serious crime." This includes crimes that may only be punishable by a maximum of one year in certain jurisdictions, or offenses that were not previously classified as such (Section 3, subsections (a) and (c)).
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Impact on Immigration Relief: The changes to the definition of "particularly serious crime" and "aggravated felony" could affect an individual's eligibility for various forms of immigration relief (Section 3, subsection (c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill increases the severity of crimes leading to removal and expands the roles of those prosecuting them. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The expanded felony definitions and increased enforcement mechanisms disproportionately impact Hispanic communities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill empowers states to participate in the federal removal process at the state's expense. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal oversight of state attorneys performing DHS functions. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The expanded definition of aggravated felonies may negatively impact due process for non-citizens.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill enhances border security and enforcement by allowing state attorneys to assist in removal proceedings. Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens? — The bill creates harder barriers to legal status by expanding the definition of aggravated felonies.
- 11/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/7/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House
Brandon GillRepublican · Texas
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama