Key facts
- Senator Eric Schmitt criticized Senator Mazie Hirono during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
- The hearing focused on the SCAM Act, a bill concerning the denaturalization of individuals convicted of fraud and other crimes.
- Hirono, a naturalized citizen, argued the bill imposes stricter requirements on naturalized citizens and treats them as second-class citizens.
- Schmitt accused Hirono of defending criminals and stated that those convicted of certain crimes should be deported.
- Republicans are proposing to revoke citizenship for naturalized citizens convicted of crimes like fraud.
- Schmitt cited cases of naturalized citizens who joined terror groups or committed violent crimes.
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., sharply criticized Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, regarding the SCAM Act (Stop Citizenship Abuse and Misrepresentation Act). The bill focuses on denaturalizing individuals convicted of fraud and other crimes. Hirono, who is a naturalized citizen, expressed horror at the bill's implications, arguing it would create second-class citizenship for naturalized individuals and that it could be used for offenses like welfare fraud. She stated, "I happen to be the only naturalized citizen sitting on this committee, and I am horrified by the implication that naturalized citizens basically get second-class citizenship." Schmitt retorted by accusing Hirono of defending criminals, including murderers, rapists, and fraudsters. He asserted that if individuals commit terrorist acts, welfare fraud, or other crimes within 10 years of naturalization, they should be deported. He cited examples such as Mirsad Ramic, who joined the Islamic State after his naturalization ceremony, and Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a naturalized citizen accused in a shooting, to support his argument. The Trump administration has previously claimed significant financial recoveries from anti-fraud efforts.