ALBUQUERQUE, NM, JANUARY 16—Today, Congress passed the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Actwith a vote of 274-145. While 61 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting this legislation, New Mexico's Democrat representatives—Melanie Stansbury (CD 1) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (CD 3)—shamefully voted against it, once again abandoning New Mexico's women and children.

The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to ensure that illegal immigrants convicted of sex offenses or domestic violence are deemed inadmissible and deportable.

"It is unconscionable that Democrat representatives from a border state would oppose the deportation of illegal immigrants convicted of violence and sex crimes against women and minors," said Ash Soular, spokeswoman for the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM). 

"Since the start of the 119th Congress in January, Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez have voted AGAINST:

  • The Laken Riley Act - which would allow ICE to detain and deport illegal immigrants who are committing crimes in the US like theft. The bill aims to prevent more victims like Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an illegal immigrant who was re-released back into the country after committing other crimes. 

  • The Protections of Women in Sports Act - which amends the 1972 Education Amendments to reinforce that Title IX in sports recognizes a person's sex based only on their birth biology and genetics. This legislation would protect women and girls from being forced to compete unfairly against biological men and share their intimate spaces with them.

  • The Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act.

"Melanie Stansbury and Teresa Leger Fernandez must answer to the women of New Mexico why they continue to undermine their rights and safety for mere political grandstanding. The Republican Party of New Mexico supports a secure border and immigration system, upholding legal immigration and prioritizing the safety of New Mexicans, especially women and children."

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The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairwoman Amy Barela, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662.