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July 1, 2011

Washington, D.C. - Recently, officials at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) called off the deportation of an illegal immigrant who is married to his same-sex partner in the United States.  This decision follows U.S.

June 29, 2011

Washington, DC - During his press conference today, President Obama made remarks regarding the E-Verify program and comprehensive immigration reform.  Following his remarks, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the statement below.

June 27, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to hold a hearing tomorrow on the DREAM Act, a bill that would legalize millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States.  House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) released the statement below. 

June 24, 2011

Washington, D.C. - Last week, the Obama administration announced changes to Secure Communities, a program intended to identify illegal immigrants in police custody who have been arrested and fingerprinted.  These changes could potentially allow millions of illegal and criminal immigrants to remain in the United States.  House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (

June 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved the Secure Visas Act (H.R. 1741), a bill to help prevent terrorists from obtaining U.S. visas and to allow U.S. officials to expedite the removal of terrorists who are in the United States on a visa.  The bill was reported favorably to the House floor by a vote of 17-11.

June 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today passed a bill sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) that updates our patent system to encourage innovation, job creation and economic growth. 

June 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives today adopted a manager’s amendment to H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act, a bill that makes much-needed reforms to our patent system. 

June 23, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary Committee today approved a bill (H.R. 1933) to help hospitals in inner-city neighborhoods and rural areas that have difficulty in attracting nurses.  Specifically, it reauthorizes the H-1C temporary visa program that allows foreign nurses to come to the U.S.

June 22, 2011

Chairman Smith:  The foresight of the Founders in creating an intellectual property system in the Constitution demonstrates their understanding of how patent rights benefit the American people. Technological innovation from our intellectual property is linked to three-quarters of America’s economic growth, and American IP industries account for over one-half of all U.S.

June 21, 2011

Washington, D.C. - The House Judiciary and Appropriations Committees have reached an agreement to end fee diversion and preserve oversight of the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). The compromise creates a fund for fees collected by the PTO and reserves the money for the PTO.