0%
F-
Reduce Chain Migration
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
F- (0%)
2015: Cosponsored legislation to increase chain migration Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 153, the I-Squared Act. This legislation would increase H-1B visa numbers by more than 100,000 per year and allow certain other visa holders to renew their visas. This legislation would also allow family members of H-1B holders to remain in the country and receive work permits.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to expand chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Flake in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase chain migration (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
109th Congress (2005-2006)
F- (0%)
2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to increase chain migration (Kolbe)
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 2330 to increase permanent, legal immigration by adding an extra 254,000 family-based visas annually. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) was the primary sponsor.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
no action
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to allow family of those granted posthumous citizenship to apply for residency (Sensenbrenner).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 1954 to increase chain migration by allowing the spouse, child, or parent of an alien who was granted posthumous citizenship based on military service to apply for permanent resident status. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) was the primary sponsor.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
100%
A+
Reduce Visa Lottery
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
A+ (100%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).
2013: Cosponsored legislation to end the visa lottery (Schumer) Sen. Flake has cosponsored S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
A+ (100%)
2012: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery in (Smith) Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program and transfers the visas to STEM categories. The visa lottery prgram grants 55,000 visa annually on a random basis to new immigrants. The bills sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). The legislation passed 245-139. (30 Nov. 2012, 11:39 AM).
2012: Voted in favor of legislation to end the visa lottery (Smith) Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program, and transfers the 55,000 yearly visas that would have been granted through the visa lottery into two new priority categories (doctorate and masters degree) under 203(b). For the first two fiscal years of the program, unused visas for which petitions or applications for labor certification have been filed will be added to the total visas for the next fiscal year. Following the first two years, remaining unused visas do not transfer to the next fiscal year. Further, student visas are reformed by adding a new STEM-based F-Visa subsection. This allows for new F-Visa applicants who are pursuing a degree in a STEM category to apply without the previously necessary intent to retain their residence in their home country. The bill received a vote of 257-158, but failed to pass the House because a 2/3rds vote was required for passage. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).
2012: Cosponsored legislation to end the visa lottery (Smith) Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 6429, the STEM Jobs Act of 2012. This bill cancels the visa lottery program, and transfers the 55,000 yearly visas that would have been granted through the visa lottery into two new priority categories (doctorate and masters degree) under 203(b). For the first two fiscal years of the program, unused visas for which petitions or applications for labor certification have been filed will be added to the total visas for the next fiscal year. Following the first two years, remaining unused visas do not transfer to the next fiscal year. Further, student visas are reformed by adding a new STEM-based F-Visa subsection. This allows for new F-Visa applicants who are pursuing a degree in a STEM category to apply without the previously necessary intent to retain their residence in their home country. The legislations main sponsor is Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
109th Congress (2005-2006)
A+ (100%)
2005-2006: Voted for a bill to eliminate visa lottery.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 4437 which included a provision to eliminate the visa lottery that each year awards 55,000 visas on a random basis. H.R. 4437 was passed by the House by a vote of 239 to 182.
2005-2006: Voted for an amendment to eliminate visa lottery.
Rep. Flake voted on the floor of the House in favor of the Goodlatte amendment to H.R. 4437. The Goodlatte Amendment would eliminate the visa lottery program that each year awards 55,000 visas on a random basis. The Amendment passed by a vote of 273 to 148.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A+ (100%)
2004: Voted for SAFE Act to end the visa lottery (Goodlatte).
Rep. Flake voted as part of the House Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 775, to end the visa lottery, a program that each year awards another 50,000 visas to people without any regard to humanitarian need or skill level. H.R. 775, sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 18-8.
2004: Voted for SAFE Act to end the visa lottery (Goodlatte).
Rep. Flake voted as part of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims in favor of H.R. 775 to end the visa lottery that awards another 50,000 visas to people without any regard to humanitarian need or skill level. H.R. 775, sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), was passed by the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims by a vote of 5-3.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
12%
F
Reduce Unnecessary Worker Visas
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F- (0%)
2017: Cosponsored legislation increasing H-2B visas (Tillis) Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 792, the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017. This legislation would exempt returning H-2B workers from the past three years from the annual cap of 66,000. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Thom Tillis (R-UT).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
F- (0%)
2016: Cosponsored legislation to increase low-skilled visas Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 2827, the Willing Workers and Willing Employers Act. This legislation would create a new non-immigrant visa category, H-2Cs, to allow for unskilled foreign workers in occupations that employers claim to have a worker shortage. The H-2C visa would be capped at 85,000 per year.
2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Flake voted against H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would increase the number of H-2B low-skilled, non-agricultural guest worker visas issued in 2016 from 66,000 to 264,000. The legislation would exempt foreign workers who had received an H-2B visa in any of the past three years from the 2016 cap.
2015: Voted in favor of H.R. 2146 to grant President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) Sen. Flake voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 2146. (NOTE: in order to pass TPA the House of Representatives split the original bill Senate-passed bill H.R. 1314 into two bills, one dealing with Trade Adjustment Assistance and one dealing with the TransPacific Partnership. As a result, when the legislation came back to the Senate for a final vote, the Senate had to attach the TPA language to another House-originated bill, H.R. 2146 and vote to pass that legislation). This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 2146 passed the Senate by a vote of 60-38.
2015: Voted in favor of granting President authority to expand immigration levels without Congress consent via Trade Promotion Authority in 2015 Sen. Flake voted in favor of final passage of Trade Promotion Authority bill, H.R. 1314. This legislation would set up fast-track procedures for the passage of trade deals negotiated by the president. Although Ambassador Froman, the U.S. Trade Representative, repeatedly assured Members of Congress that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not include immigration provisions that require the United States to change its laws, the Living Agreement provision of TPP means by its very terms that President Obama, or his successor, can change the provisions of the agreement however he chooses with no input whatsoever from Congress and regardless of what TPA instructs. H.R. 1314 passed the Senate by a vote of 62-37.
2015: Cosponsored legislation to increase foreign worker numbers Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 153, the I-Squared Act. This legislation would increase H-1B visa numbers by more than 100,000 per year and allow certain other visa holders to renew their visas. This legislation would also allow family members of H-1B holders to remain in the country and receive work permits.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Flake in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase foreign worker visas (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
F- (0%)
2011: Cosponsoring the STAPLE Act, which will increase foreign-worker visas (Flake).
H.R.399 exempts aliens who earn a Ph.D degree in math, science, technology, or engineering at a United States institution from the numerical limitations on H-1B non-immigrant visas. Specifically, this bill would offer permanent residence status to doctors, teachers, and engineers, driving down wages and creating undue competition for high-skilled American workers. Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) is the bills main sponsor.
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F- (0%)
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to increase the number of foreign workers (Stupak).
Rep. Flake cosponsored the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007 (HR 1843). The bill would exempt any alien who has been present in the United States as an H-2B nonimmigrant worker for any one of the previous three fiscal years and who is returning to work as an H-2B from counting against the 66,000-per-year cap on H-2B visas. This potentially triples the number of workers in a year and would make these provisions effective for five years. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to drastically increase foreign-worker importation (Gutierrez).
Rep. Flake is a cosponsor of H.R. 1645 to establish the H-2C guestworker program, through which 400,000 new workers (plus their spouses and minor children on an unlimited basis) may come to the United States annually. In addition, it would allow the annual cap on H-2C visas to be increased to as many as 600,000. These guestworkers would be allowed to stay up to six years, during which time they could petition for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status at any time. In addition to the H-2C provisions, the STRIVE Act would more than double the number of employment-based (EB) immigrant visas available annually; would exempt EB immigrants seeking admission to work in shortage occupations from numerical caps through fiscal year 2017; would vastly increase the cap on H-1B visas (i.e., a minimum cap of 115,000 per year); would create various permanent exemptions from numerical caps on admission for high skill aliens; would extend the authorized stay of L-1 intracompany transferee/specialized knowledge nonimmigrants (no cap on these visas) for whom applications for LPR status are pending. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to increase importation of foreign nurses (Shadegg).
Rep. Flake is a cosponsor of H.R. 1358 to increase the importation of foreign nurses by 50,000 a year, and, in any year the cap is met, the next years cap would be increased by 20 percent. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ark.) is the main sponsor of this bill.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
F- (0%)
2006: Cosponsored a bill to increase high-tech worker importation (Shadegg).
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 5744 to increase the annual H-1B cap from 65,000 to 115,000 and then by 20 percent in any following year in which the cap is met. As well, H.R. 5744 would increase the annual worldwide level of employment-based (EB) immigrants by 150,000 plus 340,000 spouses and minor children of EB immigrants who are exempt from the cap. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2006: Cosponsored a bill to increase the number of low-skill workers present in the U.S. at any one time (Bass).
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 4740 to extend for three years an exemption for any H-2B alien (for temporary, or seasonal low-skill workers) who has been counted against the 66,000-visa cap during any of the three previous three fiscal years. H.R. 4740 has the potential to triple the number of H-2B workers in the United States at any given time. Rep. Charles Bass (R-N.H.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to prohibit foreign-worker importation provisions in Free Trade Agreements.
Rep. Flake voted against the Tancredo Amendment to H.R. 2862 to prevent the U.S. Trade Representative from including immigration provisions in Free Trade Agreements. The Tancredo Amendment failed by a vote of 106 to 322.
2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to increase foreign-worker importation (Kolbe)
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 2330 to add an extra 150,000 employment-based visas (mostly for unskilled workers) each year. Additionally, it would create a brand new *guest* worker program that would bring in 400,000 unskilled workers the first year. Depending on how fast U.S. employers grabbed up those visas, the total could increase by anywhere from 10 to 20 percent each year thereafter.* Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) was this bills primary sponsor.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
F- (0%)
2004: Cosponsored bill to increase skilled foreign worker importation (Smith).
H.R. 4166 would have exempted from the annual H-1B cap aliens holding a Masters degree or higher, up to 20,000. However, the bill would have reinstated tougher employer attestation requirements, the 1,000 application fee, and Labor Department investigative authorities, that expired in the fall of 2003. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to create a guestworker program (Kolbe).
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 2899, a bill to create a guestworker program for illegal aliens that would lead to amnesty. Rep. John Kolbe (R-Ariz.) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Voted in favor of a bill to increase foreign-worker visas (DeLay).
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Chile Free Trade Agreement, H.R. 2738, that would permit an unlimited number of tech and professional workers from Chile to enter the U.S. on L-1 visas. H.R. 2738, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed by a vote of 270-156.
2003-2004: Voted for a bill to create worker importation program (DeLay).
Rep. Flake voted for the Singapore Free Trade Agreement, H.R. 2739 that would permit an unlimited number of Singaporeans to enter the U.S. as temporary workers. H.R. 2739, sponsored by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), passed by a vote of 272-155.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
A (94%)
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to create an entry and exit data system (Castle).
Rep. Flake cosponsored the Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2001 that would require H-1B employers to notify authorities if H-1B visa holders never show up for the job. The primary sponsor was Rep. Michael Castle (R-Del.).
60%
C+
Refugees & Asylees
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
A+ (100%)
2015: Voted against the FY2016 Omnibus Spending bill to increase foreign guest workers Sen. Flake voted against H.R. 2029, the Omnibus Spending bill for 2016. This legislation would fully fund the refugee resettlement program and include increases in funding to accommodate Pres. Obamas proposal to resettle an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States in 2016.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2014: Cosponsored legislation to expand refugee category for UACs (McCain) Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 2619. In attempt to address the surge at the Southwest border, this legislation redefines undocumented alien children (UAC). Unfortunately, in doing so, it actually expands the definition to include all children who cross the border without a parent or legal guardian. Under current law, a UAC must not have a parent or legal guardian inside the U.S. Therefore, such an expansion would place an enormous number of children who were otherwise ineligible through the UAC process. While the bill would add immigration judges and ICE attorneys, criminalizes spotting and other illegal alien activity, and fines parents whose children fail to appear at immigration proceedings, it also expands the use of alternatives to detention. Most egregious, this bill increases refugee admissions from Central America by 15,000 per year and begins in-country refugee processing. The bills main sponsor is Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to increase refugee and asylum fraud (Schumer) Sen. Flake in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase refugee fraud (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
2007: Voted against an amendment to reduce the time period of a countrys temporary protected status. Rep. Flake voted against the Forbes amendment to HR 2638, which would prohibit funds pursuant to this bill from being used to extend the temporary protected status designation of a country. This amendment failed 123-298.
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to grant amnesty to Liberian refugees (Kennedy).
Rep. Flake cosponsored the Liberian Refugee Immigration Protection Act of 2007, a bill which would grant permanent lawful resident status to Liberian national aliens (including those present in the United States who have been ordered excluded, deported, removed, or ordered to depart voluntarily) who were eligible for Temporary Protected Status This bill was sponsored by Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.).
109th Congress (2005-2006)
A (94%)
None
2005-2006: Voted against an amendment (Nadler) and protected asylum reforms (H.R. 418)
Rep. Flake voted against the Nadler Amendment to H.R. 418 to strip asylum reforms that would prevent terrorists from gaming our asylum system. The Nadler Amendment would have stripped provisions to ensure that our asylum system is consistent with our justice system in which the trier of fact is always allowed to use the credibility of the defendant and witnesses in deciding the case. The Nadler Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 185-236 on February 10, 2005 (1:55 PM).
2005: Cosponsored H.R. 418 to reduce asylum fraud H.R. 418 would reduce asylum fraud by clarifying that the asylum claimant bears the burden of proving persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on the five grounds for asylum agreed upon in the Geneva Convention. As well, it permits immigration judges, when reasonable, to require the claimant to present corroborating evidence.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A (94%)
2004: Voted in favor of bill to reduce asylum fraud (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.
2004: Voted to reduce asylum fraud by voting against amendment (Smith) to strip provision making it harder for terrorists to get asylum
Rep. Flake voted against the Smith Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 the asylum provision to make it harder for terrorists to receive asylum in the U.S. by no longer allowing aliens who allege they will be persecuted because of terrorist ties to automatically receive asylum based on that claim. The Smith Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), failed by a vote of 197-219.
2004: Voted against Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to strip provision to reduce asylum fraud
Rep. Flake voted against the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.
2004: Voted to reduce asylum fraud by voting against a Motion to Instruct Conferees
Rep. Flake voted against a Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip a provision from H.R. 10 to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. The Motion to Instruct failed by a vote of 169-229.
2004: Voted against amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip provision to reduce asylum fraud
Rep. Flake voted against the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. The Menendez Amendment, sponsred by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.
2004: Voted in committee against amendment (Conyers) that would strip asylum fraud reduction provisions
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee against the Conyers Substitute Amendment to H.R. 10 that would have stripped the provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases from H.R. 10 by substituting it with the language of S. 2845. The Conyers Amendment, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), failed by a vote of 15 to 20.
2004: Voted in committee in favor of bill to reduce asylum fraud (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 10 that included a provision to reduce asylum fraud by reaffirming that the burden of proof is on the asylum claimant, and that the adjudicator may require corroborating evidence in certain cases. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 12.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
24%
D
Reduce Amnesty Enticements
115th Congress (2017-2018)
F (7%)
2018: Voted against Sen. Grassleys amendment to the Senate DACA bill that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Flake voted against an amendment offered by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Grassley amendment would: 1) grant amnesty to an estimated 1.8 million DACA-eligible illegal aliens, 2) end Chain Migration and the Visa Lottery, 3) repurpose the Chain and Lottery green cards for clearing out the backlog of 4 million, and 4) authorize spending for increased border security The amendment failed 39-to-60 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2018: Voted in favor of the McCain-Coons amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Flake voted for an amendment offered by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The McCain-Coons amendment would grant amnesty to an estimated 3.2 million young-adult illegal aliens. The amendment failed 52-to-47 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would grant amnesty to illegal aliens Sen. Flake voted for the amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have granted amnesty to an estimated 1.8 million young-adult illegal aliens and granted a defacto amnesty to another 850,000 illegal aliens by protecting them from deportations. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2017: Cosponsored the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Flake, to grant amnesty to young illegal aliens Sen. Flake cosponsored S.1937, the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act. This legislation would grant amnesty to young illegal aliens who would have qualified for Pres. Obamas unconstitutional DACA executive amnesty. The legislation also would have made criminal gang members deportable. The bills primary sponsor is Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).
2017: Cosponsoring legislation to amnesty Dreamers Sen. Flake is a cosponsor of S 1615, the Dream Act of 2017. This legislation would grant amnesty to illegal aliens who came to the United States when they were under 18 years of age and who have been in the United States for 4 consecutive years. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration and would amnesty more than 3 million illegal aliens.
2017: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to illegal aliens (Flake) Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 127, the SAFE Act. This legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 2.1 million young illegal aliens, similar to the DREAM Act. The bill, however, would also require mandatory detention for illegal aliens in removal proceedings. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).
2017: Cosponsored legislation granting amnesty to illegal aliens (Graham) Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 128, the BRIDGE Act. This legislation would codify Pres. Obamas unconstitutional executive DACA amnesty by granting provisional protected presence status to illegal aliens who received the DACA amnesty or who would qualify for DACA. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
D- (19%)
2015: Voted in favor of Attorney General nominee who supports amnesty Sen. Flake voted in favor of Loretta Lynchs confirmation as Attorney General. The Office of the Attorney General, the top law enforcement office in the country, is a position that should be reserved for qualified individuals with the utmost regard for the rule of law. Unfortunately, while Ms. Lynch served honorably as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, she indicated during the confirmation process that she did not have that regard for duly enacted immigration laws. She deemed reasonable President Obamas unprecedented and unconstitutional amnesties. Her dismissive attitude about the seriousness of enforcing immigration laws was largely explained in her initial answer to Senate questioning about whether the priority for U.S. jobs should be that they go to unlawfully present foreign workers or to legal workers of our nation. Ms. Lynch answered that everybody should be getting U.S. jobs regardless of their legal status, despite the fact that the primary purpose of immigration laws is to protect vulnerable American workers. As a result, NumbersUSA took an unusual step and scored the vote for the confirmation of Ms. Lynch as a vote against against the rule of law, and against the interests of American workers. Ms. Lynch was confirmed by a vote of 56 to 43.
2015: Voted in FAVOR OF McConnell substitute amendment to H.R. 240 to fund Executive Amnesties Sen. Flake voted in FAVOR OF the McConnell amendment to substitute the text of HR 240 with language that would provide full and unrestricted funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal Executive Amnesties. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. Voting in favor of the McConnell substitute amendment was a vote against protecting struggling American workers who will have to compete for scarce jobs with millions of unlawful immigrants. It was also a vote to cede Congress constitutional powers to a President who has shown absolute disdain for the rule of law and the separation of powers at the very core of our Constitution. Senators cannot expect the judicial branch to reclaim the legislative powers for which they are unwilling to fight. The McConnell Amendment passed by a vote of 66 to 33.
2015: Voted FOR Executive Amnesty by voting against Sessions/Lee motion to allow possibility of de-funding Executive Amnesty in DHS Appropriations Sen. Flake voted against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree on H.R. 240. After a series of 4 failed attempts to invoke cloture and move to debate on H.R. 240 (the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill that included language to de-fund Pres. Obamas Executive Amnesties), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) struck a deal with Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to move a clean DHS bill that would fund the amnesties through September 2015. As part of this deal, Majority Leader McConnell filled the amendment tree in order to provide full funding for President Obamas unconstitutional and illegal amnesties and block all other amendments to H.R. 240. This was especially outrageous given that Leader McConnell promised to restore regular order and an open amendment process when he became Senate Leader in January 2015. In response, Senators Sessions (R-AL) and Lee (R-UT) filed a motion to table the amendment tree, thus allowing amendments to the bill and the possibility of restoring the de-funding language. Thus, a vote against the Sessions/Lee motion to table the amendment tree was a vote for amnesty and lawlessness a vote against the open process. The Sessions/Lee motion to table failed by a vote of 34 to 65.
2015: Voted for SECOND Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Flake voted in favor of the SECOND cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 53 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).
2015: Voted for THIRD Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Flake voted in favor of the THIRD cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 52 - 47 (60 votes required for passage).
2015: Voted for FIRST Motion to Proceed to Debate on DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) to de-fund Executive Amnesty Sen. Flake voted in favor of a cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 51-48.
2015: Voted for FOURTH Motion to bring H.R. 240 (DHS Appropriations bill) to de-fund Executive Amnesty to Senate floor Sen. Flake voted in favor of the FOURTH cloture motion to allow the Senate to begin debate on the House-passed DHS Appropriations bill (H.R. 240) that includes language to de-fund President Obamas Executive Amnesties, including DACA and his November 2014 amnesty to give work permits to up to 5 million illegal aliens. DHS funding runs out at the end of February 2015 and President Obama has threatened to veto any appropriations bill that includes language to de-fund his amnesties, essentially saying his amnesty is more important than funding for DHS. No Senate Democrats voted to allow the bill to the Senate floor for debate. The motion failed by a vote of 47-46 (60 votes required for passage).
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (4%)
2014: Voted Against Blocking Obamas Mass Amnesty Sen. Flake voted against the Point of Order raised by Sen. Ted Cruz as to the constitutionality of the executive amnesty issued by President Obama. Doing so during a vote on H.R. 83, the CROmnibus, acted as a vote to stop this unlawful amnesty, and a vote against Sen. Cruzs Point of Order was a vote in favor of the presidents amnesty.
2014: Voted in favor of motion to help end DACA (Sessions) Sen. Flake voted in favor of an amendment to 2648, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2014. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had already offered the maximum number of amendments (in a practice called filling the tree) to the legislation with the express purpose of preventing Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex) from offering his legislation to defund DACA. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) offered an amendment, # 3751, to remove all of Sen. Reids amendments so that Sen. Cruzs could be considered. This motion failed 43-52.
2013: Voted in favor of an amendment designed to pass overall amnesty bill (Schumer-Corker-Hoeven) Sen.Flake voted in favor of the Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment to S. 744, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty legislation. This amendment was a political ploy by pro-amnesty Senators to pass a bill (S. 744) that was otherwise headed for defeat. As such, a vote in favor of the amendment is graded here as a vote in favor of the full S. 744 amnesty. The Schumer-Corker-Hoeven amendment promised a so-called border surge after 11-18 million illegal aliens receive legal protected status, work permits, and de facto amnesty. In fact, however, the amendment would weaken current law (calling for entry-exit system at only airports and seaports as opposed to all ports of entry and calling for single layer border fencing as opposed to double-layer fencing) and weaken the already-loose enforcement provisions of S. 744 by setting up a rolling amnesty for future visa overstayers. The amendment was designed to give cover to Senators who could claim they supported strong border security amendments by voting for the amendment and then voting for final passage of the bill. The amendment passed 67-27 (24 June 2013).
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Flake in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
A+ (100%)
2012: Voted in favor of amendment to prevent amnesty by prosecutorial discretion (King) Rep. Flake voted in favor of the King amendment to the FY2013 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using funds appropriated by Congress to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos. The Morton Memos were a series of three memos issued in 2011 that authorized the use of prosecutorial discretion and/or deferred action to provide amnesty to illegal aliens. The amendment
111th Congress (2009-2010)
D+ (34%)
2010: Voted against the DREAM Act amnesty.
The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to illegal aliens under the age of 30 who have been in the United States for five consecutive years and came illegally to the United States before the age of 16. Such a reward for illegal immigration serves as an incentive for more illegal immigration.
2009-2010: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which rewards illegal immigration by granting amnesty (Berman).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 2414, which encourages more illegal immigration by rewarding certain illegal aliens who work in agriculture with amnesty. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
F- (0%)
2007-2008: Cosponsored a bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Gutierrez).
Rep. Flake is a cosponsor of H.R. 1645 to grant amnesty to nearly all of the 12 million illegal aliens in the United States by one of several routes. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) is the main sponsor of this bill.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
F- (0%)
2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Kolbe)
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 2330 to reward virtually all illegal aliens (except those with criminal records or terrorist connections) with amnesty. This could potentially reward 9 million illegal aliens with amnesty. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) was this bills primary sponsor.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
F- (0%)
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to grant amnesty to illegal aliens (Cannon).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 3142 to reward certain illegal aliens working in agriculture with amnesty. Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to reward illegal aliens with amnesty (Kolbe).
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 2899, a bill to create a legalization process for almost all illegal aliens who would then be eligible for green cards after 6 years. Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) was the primary sponsor.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
C (50%)
2002: Voted against a resolution which rewarded illegal immigrants with the Section 245(i) amnesty.
Rep. Flake voted against H RES 365, a four-month extension of Section 245(i), an amnesty for illegal aliens that rewards illegal immigrants with residency by allowing certain illegal aliens to pay a 1,000 fine, to apply for a green card in this country, and to stay without fear of deportation. H RES 365, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed by a vote of 275 to 137.
2001-2002: Voted for a bill to extend an illegal immigrant amnesty act (Gekas).
Rep. Flake voted to reward illegal immigrants with amnesty by voting in favor of H.R. 1885, or a four-month extension of Section 245(i). The bills primary sponsor was Rep. George Gekas (R-Penn).
No Action
Limit Birthright Citizenship
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
no action
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
110th Congress (2007-2008)
no action
109th Congress (2005-2006)
no action
108th Congress (2003-2004)
no action
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
65%
C+
Reduce Illegal Immigration Rewards
115th Congress (2017-2018)
no action
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
113th Congress (2013-2014)
F- (0%)
2013: Voted in favor of invoking cloture on legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Flake in favor of invoking cloture on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The motion passed 82-15. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to amnesty illegal aliens (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). The bill passed in committee 14-4. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
no action
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
2009: Voted to allow consideration of verification amendments to the health care reform bill Rep. Flake voted against the rule to H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Despite high publicity about the big loopholes in the bill allowing illegal aliens to participate in many parts of the new federal health care plan, the Rules Committee brought a rule to the House floor that blocked a vote on any amendment giving the Members a chance to close the loopholes. NumbersUSA notified the Members of Congress that a vote FOR the closed rule would be graded as a vote to provide rewards and incentives for illegal immigration. In particular
2009-2010: Cosponsored AgJOBS, which rewards illegal immigration by giving illegal agricultural workers blue card status (Berman).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 2414 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status and later giving them and their families full residency. Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) was the main sponsor of this bill.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
A (94%)
2008: Voted for an amendment to prevent illegal aliens from receiving federal housing funds.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of an amendment to H.R. 5818, the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008. This amendment would prevent illegal aliens from receiving Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds pursuant to this act. The amendment passed by a vote of 391-33.
2008: Voted for an amendment to restrict funding to businesses that hire illegal aliens.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of an amendment to HR 5819 that would prohibit SBIR or STTR awards from going to a small business concern if an unlawful alien has an ownership interest in that concern or in a concern that has interest in the small business. The amendment also prohibits SBIR and STTR awards from going to businesses that have repeatedly hired, recruited, or referred unlawful aliens. The amendment passed by a vote of 406-0, with 3 present.
2007-2008: Voted for an amendment to prohibit Social Security funds from being used to administer benefits accrued from work performed in Mexico.
Rep. Flake voted for the Gingrey amendment to HR 3043, an amendment to prohibit the use of funds by the SSA to administer Social Security benefit payments, under any agreement between the United States and Mexico establishing totalization arrangements between the two countries. The amendment passed 254-168.
2007-2008: Voted to prevent illegal aliens from voting in union elections.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of a Motion to Recommit H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007. The Motion to Recommit would have recommitted H.R. 800 to the Committee on Education and Labor with instructions to report the bill back to the House with an amendment that would require that all employees allowed to vote in union elections be citizens or legal residents of the United States. Although some Representatives voted against the Motion to Recommit because it would have delayed final passage of the bill, a vote in favor of the Motion to Recommit was clearly a vote in favor of interior enforcement and against allowing illegal aliens to vote in union elections. The Motion to Recommit failed by a vote of 202-225.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
B+ (84%)
2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to aid states in conforming with minimum federally-mandated license standards.
Rep. Flake voted against the Obey amendment to H.R. 2360 to provide $100 million to fund grants under the REAL ID Act to assist States in conforming with minimum drivers license standards. The Obey amendment passed by a vote of 226-198.
2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to reduce government services for illegal immigration (Gallegly)
Rep. Flake was a cosponsor of H.R. 925 to make it harder for illegal aliens to gain government services and to otherwise profit from their illegal activity by prohibiting federal agencies from accepting foreign issued IDs (except for passports). Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) was the primary sponsor.
2005-2006: Voted in favor of the rule that incorporated the Managers Amendment to H.R. 418 to eliminate provisions for alternative licenses Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Rule that incorporated the Managers Amendment to H.R. 418 to strike both the section of the bill that explicitly recognizes states, ability to issue driving certificates that do not comply with the standards and the provision that permits the Department of Homeland Security to regulate such alternative licenses. The Managers Amendment passed by a vote of 228-198 on February 10 2005 (11:46 AM).
2005-2006: Voted in favor of bill to make illegal aliens ineligible for drivers, licenses (Sensenbrenner)
Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 418 to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers, licenses and a legal presence requirement that would make illegal aliens ineligible for drivers, licenses. As well H.R. 418 would tie the drivers license expiration date of a temporary visa holder to the expiration date of their visa so that those who enter the country legally as visa holders but become illegal aliens by overstaying their visas will not have a valid drivers license after the date of the expiration of their visa. H.R. 418, sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), passed by a vote of 261-161 on February 10, 2005 (2:41 PM).
2005-2006: Cosponsored bill to reduce rewards for illegal immigration by restricting drivers, licenses for illegal aliens (Sensenbrenner)
H.R. 418 would set federal standards for the the issuance of drivers, licenses and a legal presence requirement that would make illegal aliens ineligible for drivers, licenses. As well, H.R. 418 would tie the drivers license expiration date of a temporary visa holder to the expiration date of their visa so that those who enter the country legally as visa holders but become illegal aliens by overstaying their visas will not have a valid drivers license after the date of the expiration of their visa. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) was this bills primary sponsor.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A (93%)
2004: Voted in favor of bill to prohibit drivers licensesfor illegal aliens (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included provisions to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and require that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.
2004: Voted against Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to prohibit issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens
Rep. Flake voted against the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 would have prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.
2004: Voted to prohibit drivers licenses for illegal aliens by voting against a Motion to Instruct Conferees
Rep. Flake voted against a Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip a provision from H.R. 10 to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Motion to Instruct failed by a vote of 169-229.
2004: Voted against amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip provisions prohibiting issuance of drivers licenses for illegal aliens
Rep. Flake voted against the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 a provision to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contained provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.
2004: Voted in committee against amendment (Conyers) that would strip provisions to reduce rewards for illegal aliens
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee against the Conyers Substitute Amendment to H.R. 10 that would have stripped the provisions to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates from H.R. 10. As well, the Conyers Amendment would have stripped the provisions from H.R. 10 to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. The Conyers Amendment, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), failed by a vote of 15 to 20.
2004: Voted in committee in favor of bill to prevent illegal aliens from obtaining drivers licenses (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 10 that included provisions to set federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses and birth certificates. H.R. 10 prohibited the issuance of drivers licenses to illegal aliens and required that drivers licenses of temporary visa holders expire when their visa expires. As well, H.R. 10 contains provisions to prohibit the use of consular-issued ID cards. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 12.
2004: Voted in committee to reduce rewards for illegal immigration by voting against amendment (Sanchez) to weaken drivers license provisions of H.R. 10
Rep. Flake voted against the Sanchez Amendment to H.R. 10 to weaken the drivers license provisions of H.R. 10 that required federal standards for the issuance of drivers licenses. The Sanchez Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), failed by a vote of 12 to 19.
2004: Voted in committee against amendment (Jackson Lee) to H.R. 10 to reward illegal aliens with drivers licenses
Rep. Flake voted against the Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R. 10. The Jackson Lee Amendment would have facilitated illegal immigration by allowing insecure forms of identification such as consular-issued ID cards that are often used by illegal aliens to be used to obtain drivers licenses. The Jackson Lee Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), failed by a vote of 15-20.
2004: Voted for amendment (Oxley) allowing use of foreign ID cards in U.S.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Oxley Amendment to strip the Culberson Amendment from H.R. 5025. The Culberson Amendment would have prohibited the use of matricula consular ID cards. The Oxley Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Mike Oxley (R-Ohio), passed by a vote of 222-177.
2004: Voted for amendment (Hayworth) and against rewarding illegal aliens with Social Security benefits.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Hayworth Amendment to H.R. 5006 that would have effectively prevented the U.S.-Mexico totalization agreement from taking effect, and, as a result, prevented Social Security payments to illegal aliens from Mexico. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. J. D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), failed by a vote of 178-225.
2004: Cosponsored bill to prevent the use of foreign ID cards (Gallegly).
H.R. 4440 would have made possession of foreign-issued consular ID cards such as the matricula consular evidence that the holder of the card is an illegal alien. This would have removed the opportunity for illegal aliens to use foreign-issued ID cards to open bank accounts, etc. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill protecting illegal immigrants from prosecution (Cannon).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 3142 to reward illegal immigration by protecting illegal aliens granted temporary resident status from prosecution for Social Security fraud. Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) was the primary sponsor.
2003-2004: Voted for an amendment to fight the use of foreign IDs.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Hostettler Amendment to put some major restrictions on consular-issued ID cards that are frequently issued to illegal aliens by foreign governments. These cards make it easier for illegal aliens to gain government services and to otherwise profit from their illegal activity. The Hostettler Amendment, sponsored by Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.), passed by a vote of 226-198.
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to prohibit use of non-verifiable foreign ID documents (Gallegly).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 687 to prohibit federal agencies from accepting non-verifiable ID documents issued by foreign governments, such as the matricula consular. This would have prevented illegal aliens from being able to open a bank account or to apply for any federally provided public benefit. The primary sponsor was Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.).
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
65%
C+
Strengthen Border Security
115th Congress (2017-2018)
D- (16%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken border security Sen. Flake voted for the amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have appropriated some funding for border security, but limited the ability of Customs and Border Patrols role in enforcement. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2017: Cosponsored legislation reauthorizing SCAAP funding (Flake) Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 745. This legislation would reauthorize the SCAAP program for 10 years. The SCAAP program reimburses states and local jurisdictions for the costs to jail criminal illegal aliens. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
no action
2015: Voted in favor of McCain amdt to S. Con. Res. 11 to support expedited removal of illegal aliens Sen. Flake voted in favor of the McCain amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res 11. Sen. McCains original amendment called for the expedited removal of unaccompanied minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Those three countries were the source of the unprecedented border surge along the U.S.-Mexico border during the summer of 2014. But his original amendment also included a provision that would allow for the creation of in-country processing of refugees in those three countries. After NumbersUSA pointed out to Senators that the Central American migrants are not fleeing government persecution, and so do not qualify as refugees, but are instead seeking the benefits of the Presidents rewriting of our immigration law, Sen. McCain removed the in-country processing language, and NumbersUSA supported the amendment. Since the amendment was part of a Budget Resolution, it is non-binding and doesnt force a change in the current policy that allows unaccompanied minors from those three countries to be treated differently than those from Mexico or Canada. If the provision, however, remains in the budget resolution thats eventually approved by both chambers of Congress, it allows appropriators later to set spending levels for the 2016 fiscal year that call for the expedited removal of illegal aliens from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The amendment passed 58-to-42 (including the support of three Democrats and one Independent also Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Angus King of Maine, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, and Claire McCaskill of Missouri.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
C- (36%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to increase border security (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to increase border security (Cornyn) Sen. Flake voted in favor of tabling the Cornyn amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required 90% operational security along the entire U.S. - Mexico border before illegal aliens could receive citizenship. The amendment failed 43-54 (20 June 2013).
2013: Voted against an amendment to increase border security (Paul) Sen. Flake voted in favor of tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required Congressional approval before RPI status was given to illegal aliens and required completion of the border fence. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to ensure border security (Lee) Sen. Flake voted against the Lee amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have required Congress to sign off on DHS implementation of border security strategies and certify that the strategies are operational. As the bill is written, there is no Congressional oversight or approval needed. The amendment failed 39-52, with a 3/5ths vote needed for passage (19 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to build double-layered border fence (Thune) Sen. Flake voted against the Thune amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Thunes amendment would have required the completion of the 350 miles of reinforced, double-layered fencing described in section 102(b)(1)(A) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status could be granted and to require the completion of 700 miles of such fencing before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be adjusted to permanent resident status. The amendment failed 39-54, with a 3/5ths vote necessary for passage (18 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to ensure effective control of the border (Grassley) Sen. Flake voted in favor of tabling the Grassley amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The amendment would have prohibited the granting of registered provisional immigrant status until the Secretary has maintained effective control of the borders for 6 months. As written, illegal aliens receive RPI status almost immediately after the bills passage. The amendment failed 43-57 (13 June 2013).
2013: Cosponsored legislation to help secure the border (Schumer) Sen. Flake has cosponsored S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
A (94%)
2012: Voted against an amendment to hamstring border enforcement in 2012 (Grijalva) Rep. Flake voted against the Grijalva amendment to H.R. 2578, legislation to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This amendment would have stripped provisions that allow the Border Patrol to bypass regulations put in place by the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture on federal lands within 100 miles of the border. The amendments sponsor is Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and it failed 177-247 (19 June 2012).
2012: Supported an amendment to place cell towers on the border (Poe) Rep. Flake supported the Poe Amendment to the FY2013 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would allocate funding for the building of cell phone towers along stretches of the U.S. - Mexico border so that Border Patrol agents and others in trouble can call law enforcement for assistance. The amendment passed by a vote of 302-113 (6 June 2012).
2011: Supported an amendment to build cell phone towers along the U.S. - Mexico border (Poe) Rep. Flake supported the Poe Amendment to the FY 2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would allocate funding for the building of cell phone towers along stretches of the U.S. - Mexico border so that Border Patrol agents and others in trouble can call law enforcement for assistance. The amendment passed by a vote of 327-93 (1 June 2011).
2011: Cosponsored a bill to increase border security Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 1922, legislation that would would allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to access federal lands, including National Wilderness Preservation land, to carry out security activities. Rep. Ben Qualye (R-Ariz.) is the bills main sponsor.
111th Congress (2009-2010)
no action
2009-2010: Supported an amendment to deter illegal immigration and drug smuggling by removing lookout posts for smugglers.
Rep. Flake supported the King amendment (250) to H.R. 2892, the 2010 DHS appropriations bill. This amendment requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove the lookout posts constructed by drug smugglers, thereby making it more difficult for drug smugglers and reducing illegal immigration associated with illegal drug activity. This amendment passed 240-187-1.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
A+ (100%)
2008: Signed Discharge Petition to move H.R. 4088, a bill to mandate the use of the E-Verify employment verification system, to the House floor.
Rep. Flake signed the Discharge Petition on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act, to require use of the electronic employment eligibility verification system, E-Verify. If the petition collects 218 signatures, a simple majority, the bill can bypass the committee process and be placed on the House floor for a vote.
2007-2008: Voted in favor of an amendment to increasing funding for the construction of a border fence.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Brown-Waite amendment to HR 2638. This amendment re-directs $89 million set to be appropriated to the Undersecretary for Managements account to the Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure, and Technology Account, with a view towards constructing at least 700 miles of fencing along the southern border. The amendment was adopted 241-179.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
B (76%)
2006: Voted for a bill to prevent border tunnels.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 4830, the Border Tunnel Protection Act of 2006 to penalize any person who constructs or uses a border tunnel. H.R. 4830 passed by a vote of 422 to 0.
2006: Voted in favor of H.R. 6061 to create border fence Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 6061 to create a 700 mile reinforced fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, and to provide for other barriers for border control. H.R. 6061 passed by a vote of 283-138-1 (1 denotes a vote of present.) on September 14, 2006.
2005-2006: Voted against an amendment that requires complete execution of the previously instituted entry-exit system.
Rep. Flake voted against the Sullivan Amendment to H.R. 4437 to require full implementation of the automated entry-exit system that was instituted by Congress in 1996. As well, the Sullivan Amendment would have provided for expedited removal of most illegal aliens. The Sullivan Amendment failed by a vote of 163 to 251.
2005-2006: Voted for a bill to build 700 miles of a border fence.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 4437 which included provisions to create 700 miles of border fencing along the Mexican border and to require implementation of the entry-exit system. H.R. 4437 was passed by the House by a vote of 239 to 182.
2005-2006: Voted for an amendment to reinforce physical structures, including fences, to keep illegal aliens out.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Hunter Amendment to H.R. 4437. The Hunter Amendment would shore up security by building fences and other physical infrastructure to keep out illegal aliens. The Hunter Amendment passed by a vote of 260-159.
2005-2006: Voted in committee for a bill to strengthen border security using increased infrastructure and personnel.
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 4437 to strengthen border enforcement through increased personnel and infrastructure, encourage involvement of state and local law enforcement agencies in and provide appropriate reimbursement to those agencies for immigration enforcement, and authorize coordinated border surveillance efforts between DHS and DOD. H.R. 4437 was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 23 to 15.
2005-2006: Voted against amendment (Goode) to H.R. 1815 to authorize troops on the border
Rep. Flake voted against authorizing the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the military, under certain conditions, to assist in the performance of border control functions. H. Amdt. 206, sponsored by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), passed the House by a vote of 245-184.
2005: Voted in favor of H.R. 418 to reduce asylum fraud Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 418 to significantly the reduced the risk that terrorists will be able to game our asylum system or avoid removal because of loopholes in our immigration laws. H.R. 418 passed by a vote of 261-161 on February 10, 2005 (2:41 PM).
2005: Cosponsored H.R. 418 to increase border control H.R. 418 would strengthen border control by requiring completion of the last 3.5 miles of the San Diego border fence. As well, H.R. 418 would broaden the terrorism-related grounds for inadmissibility and deportability of aliens.
108th Congress (2003-2004)
C+ (61%)
2004: Voted in favor of bill to increase the number of Border Patrol agents (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.
2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Souder) to H.R. 10 to help security screeners reduce illegal immigration
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Souder Amendment to H.R. 10 to give all security screening personnel access to law enforcement and intelligence information maintained by DHS. The Souder Amendment sought to help security screeners identify and stop illegal aliens. The Souder Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.), passed by a vote of 410-0.
2004: Voted for amendment (Ose) to H.R. 10 to increase border control with border fence
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Ose Amendment to ensure completion of the last 14 miles of the San Diego border fence. This would serve as a physical barrier to additional illegal immigration. The Ose Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Doug Ose (R-Calif.), passed by a vote of 252-160.
2004: Voted against Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to strip provisions to increase border security
Rep. Flake voted against the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.
2004: Voted against amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip provisions reducing illegal immigration with border security
Rep. Flake voted against the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.
2004: Voted in committee against amendment (Conyers) that would strip provisions to reduce illegal immigration with increased border security
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee against the Conyers Substitute Amendment to H.R. 10 that would have stripped provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years from H.R. 10. As well, it would have stripped the provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. The Conyers Amendment, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), failed by a vote of 15 to 20.
2004: Voted in committee in favor of bill to reduce illegal immigration with increased border security staff (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 10 that included provisions to increase the number of Border Patrol agents by 2,000 a year for 5 years and to increase the number of ICE inspectors by 1,600 a year for 5 years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions aimed at better screening of airline passengers before they enter the U.S. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 12.
None
2003-2004: Voted against an amendment (Goode) to authorize the use of the military to assist in border control.
Rep. Flake voted against the Goode Amendment to H.R. 1588 (Duncan) authorizing members of the military, under certain circumstances, to assist in border control efforts. The Goode Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), passed the House by a vote of 250-179.
107th Congress (2001-2002)
F (6%)
2002: Voted against an amendment to authorize the use of the military in border control efforts.
Rep. Flake voted against H. Amdt. 479 to H.R. 4546 to authorize the Secretary of Defense to assign members of the military to assist in border control efforts. The amendment passed 232-183.
2001-2002: Voted against the Traficant Amendment to authorize the use of troops on the border.
Rep. Flake voted against authorizing the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury to request that members of the Armed Forces assist the INS with border control efforts. The Traficant Amendment to H.R. 2586, sponsored by Rep. James Traficant (D-Ohio), passed by a vote of 242-173.
79%
B
Strengthen Interior Enforcement
115th Congress (2017-2018)
C (47%)
2018: Voted in favor of the Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment that would weaken interior enforcement Sen. Flake voted for the amendment offered by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Schumer-Collins-Rounds-King amendment would have reprioritized interior enforcement, protecting nearly every illegal alien, including illegal aliens not even in the country yet, for deportation. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2018: Voted for Sen. Toomeys amendment that would punish sanctuary cities Sen. Flake voted in favor of an amendment offered by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) to the Senate shell bill for granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The Toomey amendment would: 1) block certain Federal grants to sanctuary jurisdictions and reallocate those funds to jurisdictions that uphold Federal law, 2) protect local police from lawsuits for honoring ICE detainer requests, and 3) explicitly allow localities to protect from referral to ICE victims of or witnesses to a crime. The amendment failed 54-to-45 (needed 60 votes to pass).
2017: Cosponsored the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act, introduced by Sen. Jeff Flake, to strengthen interior enforcement Sen. Flake cosponsored S.1937, the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act. This legislation would grant amnesty to young illegal aliens who would have qualified for Pres. Obamas unconstitutional DACA executive amnesty. The legislation also would have made criminal gang members deportable. The bills primary sponsor is Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).
2017: Cosponsored legislation detain illegal aliens (Flake) Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 127, the SAFE Act. This legislation would grant amnesty to approximately 2.1 million young illegal aliens, similar to the DREAM Act. The bill, however, would also require mandatory detention for illegal aliens in removal proceedings. The bills main sponsor is Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).
114th Congress (2015-2016)
A+ (100%)
2016: Voted to begin debate on legislation to end sanctuary cities (Toomey) Sen. Flake has voted to invoke cloture on S. 3100, the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill would help end sanctuary policies that aim to protect criminal aliens by defining sanctuary jurisdictions as any state or local jurisdiction that fails to communicate with federal immigration agents and refuses to comply with detainer requests. The bill would also block certain federal funds from sanctuary cities and shield local police from liability when acting on behalf of a federal immigration request.
2015: Voted to end Sanctuary Cities in 2015 (Vitter) Sen. Flake voted in favor of cloture to open debate on S. 2146, the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act. This legislation would withhold certain federal funding from jurisdictions that enact sanctuary policies, require the Department of Homeland Security to create a public list of jurisdictions that have sanctuary policies in effect, protect local law enforcement from liability in holding criminal aliens for ICE pick-up, and increase penalties for illegal re-entry into the United States. The bill is sponsored by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).
2015: Cosponsoring legislation to crack down on sanctuary cities Sen. Flake is cosponsoring S. 1814, the Stop Sanctuary Cities Act. This legislation would block certain DHS funding to jurisdictions that fail to cooperate with immigration enforcement agents. Unfortunately, the bill would stop short in that it does not require jurisdiction to notify ICE when they arrest an illegal alien, making it slightly weaker than similar legislation.
2015: Cosponsored interior enforcement legislation Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 1843, the Criminal Alien Notification Act. This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to create a system by which the agency can share information on illegal aliens with local jurisdictions. The bill would require DHS to notify local authorities when they release criminal aliens.
2015: Cosponsoring legislation to enforce and strengthen immigration laws Sen. Flake cosponsored S. 1752, the Criminal Alien Deportation Act. This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to detain criminal aliens who commit serious crimes and complete the removal process within 90 days, thereby preventing their release and jeopardizing public safety. The bill would also encourage in increase in the number of immigration judges and promote Operation Streamline, which focuses on stopping illegal immigration along the U.S.-Mexico border.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
D- (16%)
2013: Voted in favor of legislation to mandate use of the E-Verify system (Schumer) Sen. Flake voted in favor of invoking cloture of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill, leading to the bills final passage. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor. The legislation passed 32-68 (27 June 2013).
2013: Voted against an amendment to implement full entry/exit system (Paul) Sen. Flake voted in favor of tabling the Paul amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. Sen. Pauls amendment would have required implementation of a biometric entry/exit system at all points of entry. The amendment failed 37-61 (19 June 2013).
2013: Voted against amendment to require biometric entry/exit system (Vitter) Sen. Flake voted against the Vitter amendment to S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. This amendment would have required the implementation of a biometric entry/exit system (the US-VISIT System) at all ports of entry before illegal aliens could be granted temporary legal status or citizenship. Sen. Vitters amendment failed 36-58, with a 3/5ths vote being required for passage (18 June 2013).
2013: Cosponsored legislation to mandate use of the E-Verify system (Schumer) Sen. Flake has cosponsored S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, the Gang of Eights comprehensive amnesty bill. The legislation would amnesty and provide a pathway to citizenship for 11-18 million illegal aliens living in the United States and drastically increase legal immigration to the United States, both visa traditional work visas and via chain migration. The legislation does mandate use of the E-Verify system, ends the visa lottery, and increases border patrol manpower (though, without spelling out the duties of the additional agents). Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is bills main sponsor.
112th Congress (2011-2012)
A (94%)
2012: Voted in favor of an amendment to protect the 287(g) program (Sullivan) Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Sullivan amendment to the FY2013 DHS Appropriations Bill. The amendment would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from terminating 287(g) agreements. The amendment, offered by Rep. John Sullivan (R-Ok.), passed by a 250-164 vote (7 June 2012).
2011: Supported an amendment to keep violent illegal aliens in custody (Cravaack) Rep. Flake supported the Cravaack Amendment to the FY 2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. Rep. Cravaacks amendment would prevent the government from releasing convicted violent or dangerous illegal aliens while they are awaiting deportation. The amendment passed 289-131 (2 June 2011).
2011: Opposed an amendment to defund the 287(g) program (Polis) Rep. Flake opposed the Polis Amendment to H.R. 2017, the FY2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. Rep. Polis amendment would have removed all funding for the 287(g) program from the bill, thereby preventing DHS from administering the program (effectively killing the 287(g) program). The amendment failed by a vote of 313-107 (2 June 2011).
2011: Voted in favor of an amendment to increase 287(g) funding (Royce) Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Royce Amendment to H.R. 2017, the FY2012 DHS Appropriations Bill. This amendment would increase funding for the 287(g) program by $1 million (about 18.5%). The amendment passed by a vote of 268-151 (1 June 2011).
111th Congress (2009-2010)
A (94%)
2009-2010: Voted for an amendment to require DHS contractors to use E-Verify.
Rep. Flake supported the King amendment (253) to H.R. 2892, the DHS appropriations bill. The amendment requires all DHS contractors and subcontractors to use the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. The King Amendment would have essentially implemented an Executive Order signed by President George W. Bush requiring all federal contractors to use E-Verify that has continually been postponed by President Obama. Use of E-Verify is one of the most effective tools at keeping illegal aliens out of U.S. jobs. The amendment passed 349-84, and the bill was signed into law October 28th, 2009.
110th Congress (2007-2008)
B+ (85%)
2008: Voted for a bill that continues employment verification.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of H.R. 6633, a bill to reauthorize the E-Verify program for a period of 5 years. The E-Verify program allows businesses to determine the legal status of new hires and prevents illegal aliens from being hired, thus making the program an important tool in the Attrition through Enforcement anti-illegal immigration strategy. The bill passed by a vote of 407-2.
2008: Voted in favor of punishing sanctuary cities.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of a motion to H.R. 5719, the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act. This motion would have recommitted H.R. 5719 with instructions to add language to deny tax exempt interest with respect to bonds of sanctuary states and cities, thereby putting pressure on cities that do not enforce immigration laws and cities who do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters. This motion failed by a vote of 210-210.
2008: Signed Discharge Petition to move H.R. 4088, a bill to mandate the use of the E-Verify employment verification system, to the House floor.
Rep. Flake signed the Discharge Petition on H.R. 4088, the SAVE Act, to require use of the electronic employment eligibility verification system, E-Verify. If the petition collects 218 signatures, a simple majority, the bill can bypass the committee process and be placed on the House floor for a vote.
2007-2008: Voted on House floor for amendment to fully fund the training of immigration enforcement officers.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Drake Amendment to H.R. 2638, the appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The Drake Amendment would fully fund the presidents budget request ($26.4 million) for the training and support for the voluntary participation of local law enforcement officers in immigration law enforcement. This amendment passed 286-127.
2007: Voted for 2nd Tancredo Amendment to H.R. 2638, thereby voting to hold cities with sanctuary policies accountable. Rep. Flake voted in favor of the amendment to H.R. 2638. The amendment prohibits funds pursuant to this bill from being distributed to states and localities that have sanctuary policies in place that prohibit or inhibit communications between Federal and state/local authorities. The amendment passed 234-189 on June 15
2007-2008: Voted against an amendment to reduce funding for the visa waiver program.
Rep. Flake voted against the first Tancredo amendment to H.R. 2638, which would prohibit funding from H.R. 2638 from being used to fund the visa waiver program. This amendment failed 76-347.
109th Congress (2005-2006)
B- (69%)
2006: Voted for a bill that increases interior enforcement by allowing the federal government to remove aliens from El Salvador.
Rep. Flake voted for H.R. 6095 to clarify state and local law enforcements inherent authority to enforce Federal immigration laws and overturn a decades-old court injunction that impedes the Federal governments ability to remove aliens from El Salvador on an expedited basis. H.R. 6095 passed by a vote of 277-140.
2006: Voted for an amendment that disallows sanctuary cities for illegal aliens.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the King Amendment to H.R. 5441, the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill of 2007. The King amendment would deny federal homeland security funding to state and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities.
2005-2006: Voted against an amendment that requires complete execution of the previously instituted entry-exit system.
Rep. Flake voted against the Sullivan Amendment to H.R. 4437 to require full implementation of the automated entry-exit system that was instituted by Congress in 1996. The Sullivan Amendment failed by a vote of 163 to 251.
2005-2006: Voted for a bill to require employers to verify their employees legal right to work in the U.S.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 4437 which would increase interior enforcement by requiring employers to use the Basic Pilot program to verify that new hires have the legal right to work in the United States. As well, it would bring state and local law enforcement agencies more into the enforcement fold and provide funding through both grants and reimbursement for their assistance in federal enforcement efforts. H.R. 4437 was passed by the House by a vote of 239 to 182.
2005-2006: Voted against an amendment to confirm local law enforcement has the authority to enforce current immigration law.
Rep. Flake voted against the Norwood Amendment to H.R. 4437 to reaffirm state and local law enforcements existing inherent authority to assist in the enforcement of immigration law. It would bring state and local law enforcement agencies more into the enforcement fold and provide funding through both grants and reimbursement for their assistance in federal enforcement efforts. The Norwood Amendment passed by a vote of 237 to 180.
2005-2006: Voted in committee for a bill to mandate an employment verification system and increase penalties for violations.
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 4437 to phase in mandatory employment verification for all employees over six years, enhance penalties for immigration violations (including unlawful presence and particularly with regard to aliens involved in criminal activity or considered risks to national security), and expedite the process by which unlawfully present aliens are removed. H.R. 4437 was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 23 to 15.
2005-2006: Voted for H. Amdt. 288 (Tancredo) and against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens
Rep. Flake voted in favor of H. Amdt. 288 to H.R. 2862, the CJS Appropriations bill. The amendment would deny certain federal funding to states and cities that violate federal law by enacting sanctuary policies to protect illegal aliens. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), failed by a vote of 204 to 222 on June 16, 2005 (2:54 PM).
2005-2006: Voted against amendment (Norwood) to H.R. 1817 to clarify State authority concerning immigration law
Rep. Flake voted against the Norwood Amendment to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to clarify the existing authority of State and local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws and detain illegal aliens on May 18, 2005 (6:31 PM). Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.) was the primary sponsor.
2005-2006: Voted for H. Amdt. 138 (Tancredo) and against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens
Rep. Flake voted in favor of H. Amdt. 138 to H.R. 2360, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2006. The amendment would deny federal homeland security funding to states and local governments who refuse to share information with Federal immigration authorities. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), failed by a vote of 165 to 258 on May 17, 2005 (5:23 PM).
None
108th Congress (2003-2004)
A+ (95%)
2004: Voted in favor of bill to expand expedited removal provisions (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted in favor of final passage of H.R. 10 that included provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), passed by a vote of 282-134.
2004: Voted against Motion to Recommit (Maloney) on H.R. 10 to strip provisions for expedited removal
Rep. Flake voted against the Maloney Motion to Recommit with Instructions to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. The Maloney Motion to Recommit, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), failed by a vote of 193-223.
2004: Voted against amendment (Smith) to decrease interior enforcement by stripping expedited removal provisions
Rep. Flake voted against the Smith Amendment to H.R. 10 to strip the expanded expedited removal provision from H.R. 10. This is the provision that had the potential to dramatically increase deportations of illegal aliens by eliminating the appeals process. Somewhere around 2.5 million illegal aliens could be subject to the expedited removal provision. The Smith Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-210.
2004: Voted to expand expedited removal by voting against a Motion to Instruct Conferees
Rep. Flake voted against a Motion to Instruct Conferees to strip a provision from H.R. 10 to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. The Motion to Instruct failed by a vote of 169-229.
2004: Voted in favor of amendment (Green) to H.R. 10 to create grounds of deportability
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Green Amendment to H.R. 10 to make all terrorist-related grounds of inadmissibility, grounds of deportability, as well. The Green Amendment sought to strengthen immigration law with regard to the deportability of alien terrorists. The Green Amendment, sponsored by Rep. Mark Green (R-Wis.), passed by a vote of 283-132.
2004: Voted against amendment (Menendez) to H.R. 10 to strip expedited removal provisions
Rep. Flake voted against the Menendez Amendment to strip from H.R. 10 provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. The Menendez Amendment, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), failed by a vote of 203-213.
2004: Voted in committee against amendment (Conyers) that would strip expedited removal provisions that increase interior enforcement
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee against the Conyers Substitute Amendment to H.R. 10 that would have stripped provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions from H.R. 10. It would also have removed provisions to require DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. The Conyers Amendment, sponsored by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), failed by a vote of 15 to 20.
2004: Voted in committee in favor of bill to reduce illegal immigration with new expedited removal provisions (Hastert)
Rep. Flake voted as part of the Judiciary Committee in favor of H.R. 10 that included provisions to increase interior enforcement by expanding current expedited removal provisions. H.R. 10 required DHS to utilize expedited removal in the case of all aliens who have entered the U.S. illegally and have not been present here for five years. As well H.R. 10 contained provisions that would enhance entry-exit screening measures for people entering and exiting the U.S. H.R. 10, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), was passed by the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 19 to 12.
2004: Voted against the King Amendment to H.R. 4754 (Wolf) to enforce federal laws against sanctuary policies for illegal aliens
Rep. Flake voted against increasing funding to the Justice Department for enforcing current federal law against sanctuary policies that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potentially, terrorists. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), failed by a vote of 139-278.
2004: Voted for the Tancredo Amendment to H.R. 4567 (Rogers) to enforce Federal law against sanctuary policies.
Rep. Flake voted in favor of prohibiting homeland security funding from going to states or cities that violate Federal law with sanctuary policies that protect illegal aliens, criminal aliens, and potentially, terrorists. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) was the primary sponsor of this amendment.
2003-2004: Voted for a bill to increase interior enforcement through workplace verification (Calvert).
Rep. Flake voted in favor of the Basic Pilot Extension Act of 2003 to extend for five years the voluntary workplace verification pilot program. This program is an important component of preventing illegal aliens from taking jobs from legal workers. H.R. 2359, sponsored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), failed by a vote of 231-170, but eventually passed as S. 1685 and was signed by President George W. Bush.
2003-2004: Cosponsored bill to increase interior enforcement by prohibiting drivers licenses for illegal aliens (Flake).
Rep. Flake cosponsored H.R. 655 to prevent illegal aliens from being able to use a drivers license as a legal form of identification. Since a drivers license is a gateay to other documents, this would have made it more difficult for an illegal alien to operate in the U.S. The primary sponsor was Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).
107th Congress (2001-2002)
no action
2001-2002: Cosponsored bill to increase interior enforcement by preventing visa overstays (Castle).
Rep. Flake cosponsored the Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2001 that would have created an entry-exit tracking system that would signal authorities when people who enter the U.S. legally on visas do not leave as they should and stay here illegally. The bills primary sponsor was Rep. Michael Castle (R-Del.).