Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes or increases criminal penalties for certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who illegally enter the United States and then commit a felony or illegally reenter the United States.

Highlights:

• Establishes or increases criminal penalties for certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who illegally enter the United States and then commit a felony or illegally reenter the United States (Sec. 2-3).

• Establishes a mandatory minimum prison term of 5 years and allows a life sentence for an individual who (Sec. 2-3):

• Improperly enters, or attempts to improperly enter, the United States; and

• Is subsequently convicted of a felony.

• Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from 2 years to 5 years for repeated improper entry (Sec. 2-3).

• Increases from 2 years to 10 years the maximum term of imprisonment for an individual who had been denied entry into or removed from the United States and who later enters or attempts to enter without prior approval (Sec. 2-3).

• Increases the maximum term of imprisonment from 10 to 15 years if such an individual was convicted of three or more specified types of misdemeanors before removal (Sec. 2-3).

• Specifies that 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 (Sec. 2-3).

• Establishes a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and allows a life sentence for an individual who was convicted of a felony before removal, or convicted of illegal reentry at least two times before removal, and who subsequently enters or tries to enter the United States (Sec. 2-3).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text