IIRIRA

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA), is a law enacted as division C of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 that made major changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). IIRAIRA's changes became effective on April 1, 1997.

Former United States President Bill Clinton asserted that the legislation strengthened "the rule of law by cracking down on illegal immigration at the border, in the workplace, and in the criminal justice system — without punishing those living in the United States legally". However, IIRAIRA has been criticized as overly punitive by restricting "due process opportunities for certain classes of individuals in removal proceedings". A range of critiques have emerged concerning the provisions enacted with IIRAIRA, such as the expansion of aggravated felonies, creation of the 287(g) program, reduction in due process rights, and intensified funding of border militarization. With IIRAIRA, all aliens, regardless of legal status and including long-term legal permanent residents, became subject to removal and greatly expanded the offenses that could lead to formal deportation.

Proponents of the IIRAIRA present the case that the policy provided a much needed end to numerous loopholes present beforehand in US immigration policy, which ultimately undermined their efficacy. The ultimate goal of the IIRAIRA has been to deter further illegal immigration into the US, and despite a noticeable increase in annual deportations since the policy was enacted in 1996 from around 50,000 to over 200,000 by the beginning of the 2000s, overall illegal immigration has increased since the policy's enactment according to data compiled by the Pew Research Center.

Before IIRAIRA, nonimmigrants who overstayed their visas or violated their status could pay a fine that would allow them to adjust their status to permanent residence status. With IIRAIRA, however, lawfully admitted nonimmigrants who overstay their visas by one day or longer became ineligible for a new nonimmigrant visa. If the period of overstay ranged from 180 to 365 days, the alien would face a 3-year bar to reentry, and an overstay of more than 365 days would require a 10-year bar. These provisions impact aliens who were admitted before and after the enactment of IIRAIRA. In these circumstances, an alien who falls under these categories would be subject to summary removal if attempting to reenter the United States. In these removal proceedings, the alien does not have a right to a hearing or a lawyer and is subject to a 5-year bar of entry.

Public charge

IIRAIRA imposed new regulations concerning public charge determinations for aliens seeking admission. IIRAIRA requires that the individual(s) petitioning a family-sponsored immigrant must provide an affidavit of support.Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120, 110 stat. 300-675 §551(a)(1)(A). (1996).

SEC. 551. Requirements for Sponsor's Affidavit of Support.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 213A (8 U.S.C. 1183a), as inserted by section 423(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, is amended to read as follows:

''Requirements for Sponsor's Affidavit of Support.''

''SEC. 213A. (a) ENFORCEABILITY.—''

''(1) TERMS OF AFFIDAVIT.—No affidavit of support may be accepted by the Attorney General or by any consular officer to establish that an alien is not excludable as a public charge under section 212(a)(4) unless such affidavit is executed by a sponsor of the alien as a contract—''

''(A) in which the sponsor agrees to provide support to maintain the sponsored alien at an annual income that is not less than 125 percent of the Federal poverty line during the period in which the affidavit is enforceable;''

''(B) that is legally enforceable against the sponsor by the sponsored alien, the Federal Government, any State (or any political subdivision of such State), or by any other entity that provides any means-tested public benefit (as defined in subsection (e)), consistent with the provisions of this section; and''

''(C) in which the sponsor agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of any Federal or State court for the purpose of actions brought under subsection (b)(2).'' In the affidavit, the petitioner must "agree to provide support to maintain the sponsored alien at an annual income that is not less than 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines" until the alien naturalizes as a U.S. citizen or the alien, the alien's parent, or the alien's spouse has worked for 40 qualifying quarters.

Aggravated felonies

With IIRAIRA, the US Congress expanded the definition of the term aggravated felony. Aggravated felonies were first initiated with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, and aggravated felonies consisted of murder, drug trafficking, and illicit firearm trafficking. The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 made any alien convicted of an aggravated felony at any time after their entry into the United States deportable. The Immigration Act of 1990, Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994 and Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 increased the types of offenses considered aggravated felonies. In addition, with these laws, crimes with a penalty of 5 years or longer would be considered an aggravated felony.

After IIRAIRA, however, the penalty was changed so that any crime with a penalty of one year or longer would be considered an aggravated felony.Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120, 110 Stat. 3009-627, 628 § 321(1996). https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:8%20section:1373%20edition:prelim

SEC. 321. AMENDED DEFINITION OF AGGRAVATED FELONY.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 101(a)(43) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(43)), as amended by section 441(e) of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (P.L. 104–132), is amended— ..10) in subparagraph (R), by striking ''for which a sentence of 5 years' imprisonment or more may be imposed'' and inserting ''for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year'' mphasis added/ref> Any alien who is convicted of an aggravated felony can face collateral immigration consequences: "aliens who have been convicted of an 'aggravated felony' are prohibited from receiving most forms of relief that would spare them from deportation, including asylum, and from being readmitted to the United States at any time in the future". There is a "presumption of deportability" for aliens convicted of aggravated felonies, in which aliens "convicted of an aggravated felony shall be conclusively presumed to be deportable from the United States".

Importantly, aggravated felony charges can be applied retroactively, so if a change in the law deems a new category of offense an aggravated felony, any alien previously convicted of that offense can then face removal.

Under IIRAIRA, any alien convicted of an aggravated felony is categorically barred from cancellation of removal and placed in a form of expedited removal proceedings (but these are distinct from expedited removal). Under IIRAIRA, expedited removal proceedings for aliens with aggravated felony charges are under the purview of the Attorney General who "shall provide for the initiation and, to the extent possible, the completion of removal proceedings, and any administrative appeals thereof, in the case of any alien convicted of an aggravated felony before the alien's release from incarceration for the underlying aggravated felony". Under these expedited removal proceedings, aliens do attend immigration court, and they are afforded the right to counsel (at no expense to the government) for their immigration court proceedings and judicial review of their determination of removal.

Removal

IIRAIRA merged exclusion and deportation proceedings into removal proceedings.US Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2015). ''Asylum division officer training course suspension of deportation and special rule cancellation of removal under NACARA.'' https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/lesson-plans/ABC_NACARA_Asylum_Lesson_Plan.pdf All aliens who are removable are subject to removal proceedings. Prior to IIRAIRA, aliens were subject to either deportation proceedings or exclusion proceedings. Deportation was reserved for aliens who "made an 'entry' into the U.S.", whereas exclusion proceedings were reserved for aliens who had not made entry into the United States. The consolidation of exclusion and deportation proceedings into removal proceedings was an attempt to streamline the process of deportation and exclusion. Under IIRAIRA, aliens "admitted to the United States, liensapplying for admission, and aliens present in the United States without being inspected and admitted" were all subject to removal proceedings. Removal proceedings are adjudicated by immigration judges, which fall under the purview of the Executive Office of Immigration Review, which is part of the Department of Justice.

Post-IIRAIRA removal proceedings are initiated with a notice to appear (NTA) that is sent to the alien. NTAs replaced Order to Show Cause and Notice of Time and Place documents. NTAs specify, among other things, "the nature of the proceedings against the alien", "the legal authority under which the proceedings are conducted", "the acts or conduct alleged to be in violation of the law" and "the charges against the alien and the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated". IIRAIRA established the authority of immigration judges in removal proceedings. Immigration judges "shall administer oaths, receive evidence, and interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the alien and any witnesses. The immigration judge may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and presentation of evidence".

Aliens have the right to a "reasonable opportunity to examine the evidence against the alien, to present evidence on the alien's own behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the Government" but not the right "to an application by the alien for discretionary relief under this Act". Further, under IIRAIRA, aliens "have the privilege of being represented, at no expense to the Government, by counsel of the alien's choosing".Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120, 110 STAT. 3009-589, 590 §240(b)(4). (1996).

Sec. 240(b)(4) ALIENS RIGHTS IN PROCEEDING.—In proceedings under this section, under regulations of the Attorney General—

''(A) the alien shall have the privilege of being rep- resented, at no expense to the Government, by counsel of the alien's choosing who is authorized to practice in such proceedings,''

''(B) the alien shall have a reasonable opportunity to examine the evidence against the alien, to present evidence on the alien's own behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the Government but these rights shall not entitle the alien to examine such national security informa- tion as the Government may proffer in opposition to the alien's admission to the United States or to an application by the alien for discretionary relief under this Act, and''

''(C) a complete record shall be kept of all testimony and evidence produced at the proceeding.'' Therefore, aliens can have legal representation in immigration court, but they not entitled to legal representation provided by the Government if they cannot afford an attorney.

IIRAIRA established a removal period of 90 days for aliens determined to be removable by an immigration judge. The removal period can begin when "the date the order of removal becomes administratively final", "the date of the court's final order" or if the date at which the alien is released from detention (only in cases of non-immigration related detention). Aliens can file one motion to reconsider the decision of an immigration judge, which must be filed within 30 days of the final order being issued. Aliens can also file 1 motion for reopening their case, which must be filed within 90 days of the final order of removal.

Cancellation of removal

IIRAIRA restricted aliens' access to cancellation of removal, which is a form of relief from deportation. Prior to IIRAIRA, aliens could receive cancellation of removal through discretionary relief from the Attorney General (this relief is carried out by immigration judges within Executive Office of Immigration Review.US Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2015). ''Asylum division officer training course suspension of deportation and special rule cancellation of removal under NACARA.'' https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/lesson-plans/ABC_NACARA_Asylum_Lesson_Plan.pdf

"Prior to enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), individuals in deportation proceedings could apply for suspension of deportation under section 244(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Pre-IIRIRA INA section 244(a)(1).

Under section 244(a) of the INA, the Attorney General could exercise discretion to grant suspension of deportation to an individual who established seven years continuous physical presence in the U.S., good moral character during that period, and that deportation would result in extreme hardship to the individual or to his or her spouse, parent, or child who was a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. By regulation, this authority was delegated to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Pre-IIRIRA INA section 244(a)(2).

Under some circumstances (for example, when the individual was convicted of a certain crime), an individual was required to meet a higher standard and show, among other things, 10 years continuous physical presence and that deportation would result in 'exceptional and extremely unusual hardship.'

Pre-IIRIRA INA section 244(a).

When an individual is granted suspension of deportation, his or her status is adjusted to that of lawful permanent resident" (p.2). In general, before IIRAIRA aliens could become eligible for cancellation of removal if they "established seven years continuous physical presence in the U.S., good moral character during that period, and that deportation would result in extreme hardship to the individual or to his or her spouse, parent, or child who was a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident". Cancellation of removal resulted in individuals becoming lawful permanent residents.

IIRAIRA restricted the requirements for individuals to become eligible for cancellation of removal and capped the number of cancellations available to 4,000 annually. With IIRAIRA, cancellation required continuous physical presence in the U.S. for 10 years prior to the initiation of removal proceedings, which is called the stop-time rule. In 1997, the Bureau of Immigration Appeals ruled that the stop-time rule can also be applied retroactively to individuals who began removal proceedings prior to IIRAIRA's implementation. An additional IIRAIRA mandated requirement for cancellation of removal is that aliens must demonstrate that removal would lead to "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" to the individual's spouse, parent, or child who is a U.S. citizen or alien with legal permanent residence status. IIRAIRA eliminated the possibility of cancellation due to the hardship an individual themselves could face.

Expedited removal

IIRAIRA established expedited removal, in which immigration officials gained the authority to summarily remove certain aliens. This is different from the expedited removal proceedings for aliens convicted of aggravated felonies. Aliens subject to expedited removal include aliens "who are inadmissible because they lack valid entry documents or have sought admission through fraud (may also include aliens inadmissible on same grounds if they are present in the United States without being admitted or paroled and have been in the country less than two years)".

Expedited removals can be considered removals without hearings: these removals do not require judicial review by immigration judges within the Executive Office of Immigration Review unless the individual plans to apply for asylum or indicates fear of persecution. Therefore, aliens subject to expedited removal do not have the right to administrative review or the right to administrative appeal and judicial review. Because expedited removals do not require judicial or administrative review, aliens who are subject to expedited removals are not afforded the right to an attorney during their interviews with immigration officials.

Stipulated Removal

IIRAIRA initiated stipulated removal, which is a type of plea agreement for aliens who are convicted of crimes in criminal court. Stipulated removal orders under IIRAIRA can be enacted for aliens facing felony and misdemeanor convictions that are considered aggravated felonies. Stipulated removal allocated to United States federal district court judges "jurisdiction to enter a judicial order of removal pursuant to the terms of such stipulation".

Orders of stipulated removal "constitute a conclusive determination of the alien's removability from the U.S." The plea agreements for stipulated removal orders make a "judicial order of removal form the United States €¦a condition of the plea agreement" for the criminal conviction or a "condition of probation or supervised release, or both". With stipulated removal, aliens "waive the right to notice and hearing" for a determination of their removability.

IIRAIRA initiated exceptions for stipulated removal for individuals in "exceptional circumstances": serious illness of the alien or serious illness or death of the spouse, child, or parent of the alien, but not including less compelling circumstances) beyond the control of the alien.

Reinstatement of removal

IIRAIRA implemented a process called reinstatement of removal. Reinstatement of removal concerns the reentry of illegal immigrants who previously left through voluntary departure or who were previously issued orders of removal who entered without lawful admission.Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120. 110 Stat. 3009-599 §241(a)(5).(1996).

''(5) REINSTATEMENT OF REMOVAL ORDERS AGAINST ALIENS ILLEGALLY REENTERING.—If the Attorney General finds that an alien has reentered the United States illegally after having been removed or having departed voluntarily, under an order of removal, the prior order of removal is reinstated from its original date and is not subject to being reopened or reviewed, the alien is not eligible and may not apply for any relief under this Act, and the alien shall be removed under the prior order at any time after the reentry."'' With reinstatement of removal, "the prior order of removal is reinstated from its original date and is not subject to being reopened or reviewed" and the immigrant is ineligible for applying for or receiving any relief from removal. Reinstatement of removal allows for the individual to "be removed under the prior order at any time after the reentry".

Bond and Immigration Detention

IIRAIRA expanded the authority of the Attorney General to detain aliens who are facing removal. Under IIRAIRA, aliens "may be arrested and detained pending a decision on whether the alien is to be removed from the United States".Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120. 110 STAT. 3009–585 §303 (1996).

''SEC. 236. (a) ARREST, DETENTION, AND RELEASE.—On a warrant issued by the Attorney General, an alien may be arrested and detained pending a decision on whether the alien is to be removed from the United States. Except as provided in subsection (c) and pending such decision, the Attorney General—''(1) may continue to detain the arrested alien; and ''(2) may release the alien on—''(A) bond of at least $1,500 with security approved by, and containing conditions prescribed by, the Attorney General; or''(B) conditional parole; but ''(3) may not provide the alien with work authorization (including an 'employment authorized' endorsement or other appropriate work permit), unless the alien is lawfully admitted for permanent residence or otherwise would (without regard to removal proceedings) be provided such authorization. IIRAIRA did not impose any limitations on the length of detention, but IIRAIRA did restrict these aliens' access to release from detention. Release could be granted with a "bond of at least $1,500" or on "conditional parole". aliens without legal permanent residence or prior work authorizations would be ineligible for receiving a work authorization during their release from detention.

IIRAIRA stipulated mandatory detention for aliens who furnished fraudulent documents or have convictions for aggravated felonies, including "crimes involving moral turpitude", as well as aliens found to have "membership in a terrorist organization". ''Demore v. Kim'' (2003) upheld the constitutionality of the mandatory detention of aliens with qualifying convictions.

The provisions of IIRAIRA concerning detention provide on their face as allowing for indefinite detention of aliens. This was upheld by the Supreme Court against constitutional challenge in ''Johnson v. Arteaga-Martinez'' (2022).

Bars to re-entry

Various bars for reentry of aliens were established by IIRAIRA.

3-Year Bar to Entry

The 3-year bar to entry concerns aliens without lawful present status for more than 180 days but less than 365 days who returned to their home country voluntarily before the initiation of removal proceedings in immigration court. The 3-year bar begins on the date of the individual's departure or removal from the U.S.

10-Year Bar to Entry

The 10-year bar to entry applies to any alien who was ordered removed in immigration court or to any alien who returned to their home country prior to the final adjudication of their removal proceedings in immigration court who were in the United States without lawful immigration status for one or more years.Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120.110 STAT. 3009–576 §301(b) (1996).

(1) IN GENERAL.—Section 212(a) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) is amended by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10) and by inserting after paragraph (8) the following new para- graph:

''(9) ALIENS PREVIOUSLY REMOVED.—''

''(A) CERTAIN ALIENS PREVIOUSLY REMOVED.—''

''(i) ARRIVING ALIENS.—Any alien who has been ordered removed under section 235(b)(1) or at the end of proceedings under section 240 initiated upon the alien's arrival in the United States and who again seeks admission within 5 years of the date of such removal (or within 20 years in the case of a second or subsequent removal or at any time in the case of an alien convicted of an aggravated felony) is inadmissible.''

''(ii) OTHER ALIENS.—Any alien not described in clause (i) who—''(I) has been ordered removed under section 240 or any other provision of law, or ''(II) departed the United States while an order of removal was outstanding, and who seeks admission within 10 years of the date of such alien's departure or removal (or within 20 years of such date in the case of a second or subsequent removal or at any time in the case of an alien convicted of an aggravated felony) is inadmissible.'' Individuals in either of these categories are summarily found ineligible for entry for 10 years. If an alien gains admission after the 10-year bar and is subsequently deported, IIRAIRA imposed a 20-year bar to entry.

Lifetime Bar to Entry

Lifetime bars to reentry were established for any alien who was deported due to criminal convictions of aggravated felonies. These individuals face a lifetime bar to reentry.

287(g) Program

IIRAIRA initiated the 287(g) program. The 287(g) program allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with Immigration and Naturalization Service (now Immigration and Customs Enforcement). These agreements allocate to certain agents the ability to "perform a function of an immigration officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across State lines to detention centers)".Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120. 110 STAT. 3009–563 §133 (1996).

SEC. 133. ACCEPTANCE OF STATE SERVICES TO CARRY OUT IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.

Section 287 (8 U.S.C. 1357) is amended by adding at the end the following:

''(g)(1) Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Attorney General may enter into a written agreement with a State, or any political subdivision of a State, pursuant to which an officer or employee of the State or subdivision, who is determined by the Attorney General to be qualified to perform a function of an immigration officer in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States (including the transportation of such aliens across State lines to detention centers), may carry out such function at the expense of the State or political subdivision and to the extent consistent with State and local law.''

''(2) An agreement under this subsection shall require that an officer or employee of a State or political subdivision of a State performing a function under the agreement shall have knowledge of, and adhere to, Federal law relating to the function, and shall contain a written certification that the officers or employees performing the function under the agreement have received ade- quate training regarding the enforcement of relevant Federal immigration laws.''

''(3) In performing a function under this subsection, an officer or employee of a State or political subdivision of a State shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the Attorney General.''

''(4) In performing a function under this subsection, an officer or employee of a State or political subdivision of a State may use Federal property or facilities, as provided in a written agreement between the Attorney General and the State or subdivision.''

''(5) With respect to each officer or employee of a State or political subdivision who is authorized to perform a function under this subsection, the specific powers and duties that may be, or are required to be, exercised or performed by the individual, the duration of the authority of the individual, and the position of the agency of the Attorney General who is required to supervise and direct the individual, shall be set forth in a written agreement between the Attorney General and the State or political subdivision.'' Under 287(g), law enforcement officers are deputized to gain immigration enforcement authority, such as investigating, apprehending, and detaining aliens whom the officer believes to be removable. When agencies enter into 287(g) agreements, the individuals deputized are under the direction of ICE, but they are not considered federal officials.

Local law enforcement is not allowed to enforce immigration law—that authority is vested in the federal government as immigration enforcement is a civil matter. State local law enforcement officials, such as sheriffs' agencies and municipal law enforcement, are only allowed to enforce criminal matters. The 287(g) program has received pushback from some immigration scholars and immigrant advocacy groups, who expressed that the program increases racial profiling and undermines immigrants' rights. As of November 2021, there were 142 agencies with signed 287(g) agreements in the United States.

Border enforcement provisions

Among other changes, IIRAIRA gave the United States Attorney General broad authority to construct barriers along the Mexico–United States border, and it authorized the construction of a secondary layer of border fencing to support the already-completed 14-mile primary fence. Construction of the secondary fence stalled because of environmental concerns raised by the California Coastal Commission. In April 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced the waiver of environmental laws under the IIRAIRA authority to construct more physical barriers along the Mexico-U.S. border in Southern California.

IIRAIRA substantially increased funding directed toward the Mexico-United States Border. IIRAIRA appropriated $12 million of funding for multilayered fencing starting near San Diego, California and extending east for 14 miles.Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120. 110 STAT. 3009–554 §102 (b), (1996).

"SEC. 102. IMPROVEMENT OF BARRIERS AT BORDER.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General, in consultation with the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, shall take such actions as may be necessary to install additional physical barriers and roads (including the removal of obstacles to detection of illegal entrants) in the vicinity of the United States border to deter illegal crossings in areas of high illegal entry into the United States.

(b) CONSTRUCTION OF FENCING AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BORDER AREA NEAR SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.—(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Attorney General shall provide for the construction along the 14 miles of the international land border of the United States, starting at the Pacific Ocean and extending eastward, of second and third fences, in addition to the existing reinforced fence, and for roads between the fences." This funding was used to supplement existing fencing and add second and third layered fencing along that portion of the border.

In addition to the multilayered fencing near San Diego, California, IIRAIRA allocated additional technology and funding for the Border Patrol. Included in this allocation were "fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, four-wheel drive vehicles, sedans, night vision goggles, night vision scopes, and sensor units". (section 103). IIRAIRA required that the number of full-time, active-duty border patrol agents would increase by at least 1,000 "in each of the fiscal years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001".Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120. 110 STAT. 3009–553, 554 §101(1996).

"SEC. 101. BORDER PATROL AGENTS AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL.

(a) INCREASED NUMBER OF BORDER PATROL AGENTS.—The Attorney General in each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 shall increase by not less than 1,000 the number of positions for full-time, active-duty border patrol agents within the Immigration and Naturalization Service above the number of such positions for which funds were allotted for the preceding fiscal year.

(b) INCREASE IN BORDER PATROL SUPPORT PERSONNEL.—The Attorney General, in each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, may increase by 300 the number of positions for personnel in support of border patrol agents above the number of such positions for which funds were allotted for the preceding fiscal year.

(c) DEPLOYMENT OF BORDER PATROL AGENTS.—The Attorney General shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that additional border patrol agents shall be deployed among Immigration and Naturalization Service sectors along the border in proportion to the level of illegal crossing of the borders of the United States measured in each sector during the preceding fiscal year and reasonably anticipated in the next fiscal year." IIRAIRA also funded an increase of 300 supportive personnel in each of the fiscal years of 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. These new border patrol agents were to be stationed at areas with high proportions of illegal crossing, as measured within the previous year. Such areas were largely concentrated at the southern border (Mexico-United States Border).

IIRAIRA targeted funding for agents and technology to "areas of the border identified as areas of high illegal entry into the United States in order to provide a uniform and visible deterrent to illegal entry on a continuing basis". In doing so, IIRAIRA appropriated consistent funding that supported a border enforcement strategy known as " prevention through deterrence". Prevention through deterrence was first initiated in the early 1990s, and it aimed to reduce the number of migrants entering without authorization at high-traffic urban areas. According to reports by the Government Accountability Office, prevention through deterrence increased the number of migrants that died while crossing into the United States.

Higher education restrictions

IIRAIRA expanded the restrictions on federally distributed post-secondary education funds that were initially enacted with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). PRWORA denied federal funding for post-secondary education to most groups of aliens. IIRAIRA extended these restrictions, applying them to state-level funding decisions.Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-120, 110 STAT. 3009–672 §505. (1996).

"SEC. 505. LIMITATION ON ELIGIBILITY FOR PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF ALIENS NOT LAWFULLY PRESENT ON BASIS OF RESIDENCE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION BENEFITS.

(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a State (or a political subdivision) for any postsecondary education benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit (in no less an amount, duration, and scope) without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident.

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall apply to benefits provided on or after July 1, 1998." Under IIRAIRA, states cannot make illegal immigrants eligible for post-secondary education benefits unless all citizens and nationals are also eligible, regardless of their state of residence. However, IIRAIRA does not define post secondary education benefits as tuition rates which are matriculation costs.

States have overcome these restrictions by basing eligibility on in-state tuition on factors besides residence, such as attendance at a high school in the state. Nevertheless, tuition rates which include student fees and matriculation costs are not defined as post-secondary education benefits. These provisions allow anyone, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status, to apply for in-state tuition if they meet the eligibility requirements. In doing so, the states have complied with the mandates established by IIRAIRA and PRWORA.

Voting

IIRAIRA made it a criminal offense for an alien to vote in a federal election. This, however, does not apply to those who have resided in the United States as non-citizen U.S. nationals or permanent residents while they were under the age of 16 years, and both of their parents are U.S. citizens.
* (emphasis added)
** (Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019)

See also

* Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996
* Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994
* Immigration Act of 1990
* Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988
* Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act
* Remain in Mexico
* 287(g)
* Immigration Detention

Notes and references

Further reading

*
* Warner, Judith Ann. "Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996." in Richard T. Schaefer, ed., ''Encyclopedia of Race, Ethnicity, and Society'' (2008) pp 677–80.

External links

Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act

Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996PDFdetails
as amended
*

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Acts of the 104th United States Congress
United States federal immigration and nationality legislation
Illegal immigration to the United States
Presidency of Bill Clinton
Clinton administration controversies