Overview

This bill proposes to make it a criminal offence to be in the UK without legal authority after June 30th, 2014, or to enter the UK illegally after that date. Those found guilty face potential imprisonment and/or fines, and deportation unless the Secretary of State deems it against the public interest.

Description

The Illegal Immigrants (Criminal Sanctions) Bill criminalizes the presence in the UK without legal authority after June 30th, 2014. This includes those who entered the UK illegally after that date and those who remained in the UK without legal permission.

Penalties

The bill outlines penalties for those found guilty: up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine (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 would be against the public interest.

Deportation

Deportation is the default outcome for those convicted, unless the Secretary of State issues a certificate stating that deportation is not in the public interest. The burden of proof lies on demonstrating exceptional circumstances to prevent deportation.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, there will be increased costs associated with enforcement, prosecution, and potentially detention and deportation processes. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Illegal Immigrants: This group faces criminal charges, potential imprisonment, fines, and deportation.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Increased workload related to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals.
• Immigration Courts: Increased caseload for processing deportations and appeals.
• The Secretary of State: Responsibility for determining whether deportation is in the public interest and issuing certificates to the court.

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