Clinton to Get Gallegly’s Bill on INS Screening of Jail Inmates
Legislation that would expand nationwide a screening program successful in identifying illegal immigrants at Ventura County Jail is on its way to the White House for President Clinton’s approval.
The U. S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) that gives Immigration and Naturalization Service agents authority to put immigration holds on county jail inmates--the first step in booting felons out of the country once they serve their time.
If the president signs the measure, the program will become permanent in Ventura County and be expanded to 100 jails nationwide.
Authorities say about one out of every 10 inmates at County Jail is in the country illegally or has committed a deportable offense.
During a yearlong pilot project, INS agents interviewed 1,648 inmates at the jail and placed immigration holds on 943 of them.
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