Kate's Law

Stop Illegal Reentry Act or Kate's Law

This bill increases criminal penalties for certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who illegally reenter the United States after removal or exclusion.

Generally, an individual who had been denied entry into or removed from the United States and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States without prior approval from the Department of Homeland Security shall be fined, imprisoned for up to five years, or both. Current law requires a fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for such an individual.

An individual who had been denied entry or removed three or more times and who later enters or attempts to enter the United States shall be fined, imprisoned for up to 10 years, or both.

An individual who was convicted of an aggravated felony or convicted at least two times before removal or departure and who subsequently enters or tries to enter the United States shall be imprisoned at least five years and for up to twenty years, and may also be fined. Currently, there is no minimum term of imprisonment for an individual who reenters after a conviction for an aggravated felony, and there are no criminal penalties for a reentering individual who had been convicted at least two times (other than the penalties for illegal reentry generally).

Bill 118 hr 4238, also known as Kate's Law, is a piece of legislation that was introduced in the United States Congress. The bill is named after Kate Steinle, a young woman who was tragically killed in 2015 by an undocumented immigrant who had been deported multiple times.

The main purpose of Kate's Law is to increase penalties for individuals who have been deported and then re-enter the United States illegally. Under this bill, individuals who have been deported and re-enter the country illegally could face up to 10 years in prison for their first offense, and up to 20 years for subsequent offenses.

Supporters of Kate's Law argue that it is necessary to deter individuals from repeatedly entering the country illegally, and to protect American citizens from potential harm. They believe that increasing penalties for illegal re-entry will help to make the country safer. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it is unnecessarily harsh and could lead to increased incarceration rates for non-violent offenders. They also argue that the bill unfairly targets immigrants, and could have negative consequences for families who are seeking a better life in the United States. Overall, Kate's Law is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and the public. It remains to be seen whether the bill will be passed into law, and what impact it may have on immigration policy in the United States.