This bill imposes a 37% fee on remittances sent to the five countries with the most citizens unlawfully entering the U.S. Half of collected funds reimburse border states for security expenses; the other half funds border technology, physical barriers, and Border Patrol wages. Excess funds above threshold amounts go to deficit reduction.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill imposes a 37% fee on remittances sent to the five countries with the most citizens unlawfully entering the U.S. Half of collected funds reimburse border states for security expenses; the other half funds border technology, physical barriers, and Border Patrol wages. Excess funds above threshold amounts go to deficit reduction.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Border Security Investment Act</strong></p><p>This bill imposes a fee on the electronic transfer of funds (i.e., remittances) sent to certain countries and provides funding for border security activities from the collected amounts.</p><p>Specifically, the fee shall apply to remittances sent through money services business to one of the five countries that had the most citizens or nationals unlawfully enter the United States in the previous fiscal year, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The fee must be 37% of the amount sent.</p><p>Half of the money collected by the fee must be placed in a trust fund for reimbursing border states for expenses incurred for border security enforcement measures. The other half must be placed in another trust fund for (1) deploying technology and installing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and (2) paying the wages and salaries of U.S. Border Patrol agents.</p><p>If the amount in the trust funds exceeds a certain threshold, the excess money must be used only for deficit reduction.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
37% fee on remittances to top source countries of illegal immigration
Targets top 5 countries by unlawful entries
Half to border state reimbursement trust fund
Half to technology, barriers, and Border Patrol wages
Excess funds to deficit reduction
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This legislation uses remittance fees as both a funding mechanism and deterrent. The 37% rate would significantly reduce funds sent home by immigrants from targeted countries. Supporters argue those benefiting from illegal immigration should fund border security. Critics contend it unfairly punishes legal immigrants and could drive remittances underground or harm recipient country economies.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
445, 119th Congress (2025). "Border Security Investment Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-445
