(Washington, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to begin consideration of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, H.R. 3619, which includes language from Congressman Baron Hill’s Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act. 

“I am very pleased my colleagues recognized the bipartisan support my bill received and included it in the Coast Guard Authorization Act,” Hill said.  “The Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act came in direct response to concerns expressed by law enforcement across the country that existing penalties for alien smuggling are insufficient and too complex to appropriately punish alien smugglers.”

Hill originally introduced the Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act in 2007 as a standalone bill.  The legislation gives law enforcement, at all levels, the tools they need to detain and fully prosecute those found guilty of smuggling individuals across the border into the United States.  It significantly enhances penalties for alien smuggling – the crime is raised from a misdemeanor to a felony under this bill.  And, this bill sets a five-year base maximum for alien smuggling in prison.  But, prison terms become much longer if the smuggler exposes individuals to high risk of injury or death such as kidnapping, raping or concealing them.

In 2007 and early this year, the Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act was passed by the House with no opposition.  Last year, the bill’s language was included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2009.  However, all bills have languished in the Senate. 

“This practice of alien smuggling is a serious violation of both our border laws and human rights, “Hill said.   “I sincerely hope this language becomes law, and I will continue working toward that end.”