Rep. Dan Meuser, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 9th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Dan Meuser, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 9th District | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) introduced H.R. 7959, the Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living, and Dwelling (SHIELD) Act. The legislation would make trespassing a deportable offense for illegal aliens, as well as deem the migrant permanently inadmissible for entry into the United States.
The need for such legislation has become evident due to a recent rise in cases of illegal aliens squatting in American homes, particularly after a Venezuelan TikToker encouraged fellow migrants to exploit adverse possession laws in American states. Last week, Homeland Security officials apprehended eight illegal immigrants on drug and gun possession charges who had been squatting in a home in the Bronx, NY. Additionally, federal agents arrested three migrants squatting and involved in drug activities in another Bronx residence.
Congressman Dan Meuser emphasized the importance of the SHIELD Act, stating, “The dramatic increase in the number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes is yet another example of how the disastrous situation at our southern border is impacting communities across the country.” He added, "This legislation will serve as a deterrent to illegal aliens contemplating violating the homes and properties of American citizens. It will force migrants to think twice before attempting to trespass on or unlawfully possess an American’s property."
The SHIELD Act aims to hold illegal immigrants accountable for squatting by implementing deportation and permanent inadmissibility into the United States. Meuser warned that without addressing this issue, illegal aliens entering the United States due to the Biden Administration’s border policies will continue to exploit adverse possession laws, causing property damage and mental distress to homeowners.
In addition to the SHIELD Act, the House recently passed H.R. 6976, the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, which makes driving under the influence a deportable and inadmissible offense. This bill garnered significant bipartisan support with a margin of 274 to 150 during its passage on February 1, 2024.
Cosponsors of the SHIELD Act include Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and Austin Scott (GA-08).
For more information on the SHIELD Act, interested parties can access the text of the legislation online.
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