Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are one step closer to strengthening deportation policy against immigrants in the country illegally. The U.S. House has passed a bill today that would stiffen deportation rules if these immigrants are convicted of certain crimes against women and children.

Missouri’s Congressional delegation voted along party lines on the plan that focuses on sex crimes, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, or violating a protection order.

East-central Missouri Republican Congressman Bob Onder backs the bill. He said the United States is not a safe haven for the world’s rapists and violent abusers.

“It’s time to replace the slap on the wrist approach with law and order,” Onder said during House debate on the legislation. “This bill sends an important message – that we will have zero tolerance for domestic and sexual violence. I genuinely believe this legislation is part of our mandate from the American people. It amends current immigration law to expand the definition of sex offenses that require deportation.”

St. Louis Democratic Congressman Wesley Bell and Kansas City Democratic Congressman Emanuel Cleaver voted against the bill.

The next stop for the legislation is the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers there will take another look at it.

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