Arrington Backs Stronger Consequences for Repeat Illegal Border Crossers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement following House passage of H.R.3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act, which increases penalties - fines, up to five years in prison, or both - for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after removal:

"For four years, President Biden abdicated his responsibility to secure the border and defend our sovereignty, blaming Congress for not providing the resources he claimed were needed," said Chairman Arrington. "Yet within just months of President Trump taking office, the border has been secured - proving the issue was never about resources, but about leadership and willpower. The Stop Illegal Entry Act establishes permanent consequences for illegal reentry, ensuring lasting border security no matter who sits in the White House."

• Currently, 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 will be fined, imprisoned for up to 2 years, or both.

• The legislation, colloquially known as Kate's Law, was named for Kate Steinle, a 32-year-old woman tragically shot and killed by an illegal alien who had several felony convictions and had been deported from the United States five times.

• In addition, this bill would require that individuals 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.

• The bill would also increase penalties for individuals who were 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).