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A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed, and for other purposes.
1/30/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 271
Under the proposed legislation, individuals who are caught illegally reentering the US after being removed would face stiffer penalties, including longer periods of incarceration and higher fines. The bill also includes provisions to enhance border security measures and improve the enforcement of immigration laws.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to strengthen immigration enforcement and protect national security. They believe that increasing penalties for illegal reentry will discourage individuals from repeatedly violating immigration laws and help to secure the US borders. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on immigrant communities and argue that harsher penalties may not effectively address the root causes of illegal immigration. They also question the cost and feasibility of implementing the proposed measures. Overall, Bill 119 s 271 represents a significant effort to address illegal immigration and strengthen border security. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, where lawmakers are debating its potential impact and weighing the arguments from both sides of the issue.
Congressional Summary of S 271
Stop Illegal Reentry Act
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 5 years and for up to 20 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).
