(Washington, DC) - Yesterday, Congressman Baron Hill offered an amendment to H.R. 2410, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011, addressing alien smuggling.  The amendment was adopted with no opposition and is now included in the House-passed version of the bill.

Hill’s amendment would require the U.S. State Department to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, in conjunction with all appropriate Federal departments and agencies, on how to best use American funds to reduce smuggling and trafficking of persons.  The amendment was agreed to unanimously, and thus, adopted into the larger bill.

Hill is addressing the alien smuggling issue from various legislative angles.  For example, Hill’s Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act passed the House during both the 110th and 111th Congresses. 

“I want to make sure this issue receives the attention it necessitates,” Hill said.  “I have heard from law enforcement across the board that the punishment for alien smuggling does not fit the crime.  Alien smuggling is merely a misdemeanor right now, which makes it a rather ineffective deterrent.  We need to enhance the penalty for alien smuggling and give our law enforcement the tools they need to start really securing our borders.”