Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) introduced a new bill in Congress called the SHIELD (Safeguarding Homes from Illegal Entry, Living and Dwelling) Act. This bill aims to make it a deportable offense for foreign nationals to squat in American homes. Meuser stated that the bill will act as a deterrent to illegal aliens who are considering violating the homes and properties of American citizens. He emphasized that the legislation will make migrants think twice before attempting to trespass on an American’s property.
The bill was introduced in response to the increasing number of illegal immigrants squatting in American homes, which has become a pressing issue at the southern border. Meuser warned that without action from Congress, the problem of illegal immigrants living as squatters will persist.
This bill shares similarities with another Republican-backed legislation that passed the House in February. Known as the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, this bill makes driving under the influence a deportable and inadmissible offense for foreigners.
The practice of squatting in a home without the owner’s permission has sparked bipartisan concern in recent weeks. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) criticized the concept of “squatters’ rights,” questioning why there is a legal pathway for those who violate property rights to claim any rights over that property.
Each state has different laws regarding unauthorized tenants, with some states granting trespassers the legal right to continue living in a property if the lawful owner does not take action against them. For example, in New York, squatters can be awarded “adverse possession” if they have lived in a property for 10 years or more.
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law cracking down on squatters, making it easier for homeowners to seek police assistance in removing them from their property. The governor highlighted incidents where squatters caused harm to property owners, including a case where a woman was allegedly killed by squatters in her Manhattan apartment.
Illegal immigrant Leonel Moreno gained notoriety for encouraging others to squat in homes through social media. Despite his arrest, his videos continue to circulate online, demonstrating the need for measures like the SHIELD Act to address the issue of squatting in American homes. Please provide an alternative version of the text.
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