Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill proposes to criminalize illegal entry into or remaining in the UK after June 30, 2014, imposing penalties including imprisonment and fines, and making deportation mandatory unless deemed against the public interest by the Secretary of State.

Description

The Illegal Immigrants (Criminal Sanctions) Bill aims to establish criminal sanctions for those in the UK without legal authority. Specifically:

• Section 1: Presence in the UK: Being present in the UK without legal authority after June 30, 2014, or entering/attempting to enter illegally after that date, constitutes a criminal offense.
• Section 2: Penalties: Penalties include up to 6 months imprisonment, fines (up to £5,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland), or both. A deportation order is mandatory unless the Secretary of State certifies to the court that deportation is against the public interest.
• Section 3: Short Title and Commencement: The bill will be known as the Illegal Immigrants (Criminal Sanctions) Act 2014 and comes into force upon passing.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated but likely involves increased costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and potentially, detention and deportation.

Groups Affected

This bill significantly impacts:

• Illegal immigrants: Faces criminal prosecution, imprisonment, fines, and mandatory deportation (unless exceptions are applied).
• Law enforcement agencies: Increased workload related to enforcement and prosecution.
• Immigration courts and tribunals: Increased caseloads due to prosecutions and deportation appeals.
• The Secretary of State for the Home Department: Responsible for determining exceptions to mandatory deportation.