Anthony D'Esposito: “I thank Representative McClintock for introducing H.R. 6678, the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act. The…”

“I thank Representative McClintock for introducing H.R. 6678, the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act. The underlying bill would create a ground of inadmissibility and deportation for criminal illegal immigrants who have been convicted of Social Security fraud. I am proud to offer this important amendment that I hope will go one step further in holding individuals accountable for trying to defraud the American government and the American people. My amendment expands the bill to ensure that any illegal migrant who has been convicted of, or admits to having committed, a crime involving fraud in regard to certain COVID-19 loans and grants is also inadmissible and deportable. Some of the programs included are the Paycheck Protection Program loans, Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, and Shuttered Venue Operators Grants. These programs were intended to allow Americans to weather the storm through the pandemic, not for illegal immigrants to use for their own personal benefit or nefarious purposes. During the pandemic, we witnessed beloved small businesses along our main streets close and saw many families struggle. Many of these important programs ran out of money and were unable to help all those who applied. Those who attempted to defraud these programs took taxpayer money away from Americans in need and should be penalized.…”