This bill increases criminal penalties for illegal reentry after removal. General reentry rises from 2 to 5 years maximum imprisonment. Three or more reentries carries up to 10 years. Those with aggravated felony convictions face a 5-year minimum and up to 20 years.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill increases criminal penalties for illegal reentry after removal. General reentry rises from 2 to 5 years maximum imprisonment. Three or more reentries carries up to 10 years. Those with aggravated felony convictions face a 5-year minimum and up to 20 years.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Stop Illegal Reentry Act</strong></p><p>This bill increases criminal penalties for certain non-U.S. nationals (<em>aliens</em> under federal law) who illegally reenter the United States after removal or exclusion.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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).</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Increases maximum penalty for illegal reentry from 2 to 5 years
Creates 10-year maximum for three or more reentries
Establishes 5-year minimum for aggravated felony convictions
Adds new penalties for those convicted twice before removal
Individuals who illegally reenter the U.S. after deportation would face significantly longer prison sentences. Those with criminal records would face mandatory minimums, creating stronger deterrents for repeat illegal entry.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
271, 119th Congress (2025). "Stop Illegal Reentry Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-271
