Congressman Pat Harrigan of North Carolina’s 10th District voted on Mar. 18 in favor of H.R. 1958, known as the Deporting Fraudsters Act. The legislation clarifies that individuals convicted of defrauding the United States government or unlawfully receiving public benefits are both inadmissible and deportable under federal immigration law.
The bill is intended to address concerns about protecting taxpayer resources and closing loopholes in current immigration policy. Supporters say it aims to ensure that those who commit fraud against the government cannot remain in the country or seek further immigration relief.
“If you come to this country and steal from the American people, you should not get to stay here,” said Congressman Harrigan. “Americans work hard, pay their taxes, and follow the law, and they deserve to know their government will protect those resources. The Deporting Fraudsters Act closes loopholes that have allowed individuals who commit fraud against the United States to remain in this country and even seek immigration benefits. If you cheat the American taxpayer, you should be deported and barred from immigration relief.”
The legislation specifies that noncitizens convicted of crimes such as Social Security number fraud, SNAP benefit fraud, theft or bribery involving federally funded programs, mail fraud, major fraud against the United States, and other schemes targeting taxpayer-funded benefits would be subject to removal from the country.
Following its passage in the House of Representatives, H.R. 1958 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Harrigan called on senators to act quickly so that individuals who defraud taxpayers cannot remain in the United States.
Harrigan was elected after defeating Ralph R. Scott, Jr. in the 2024 general election with 57.5% of the vote compared to Scott’s 38.2%, according to official results.
