Protect America Act
Senate Protect America Act Would Cut Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities, Hike Prison Terms for Illegal Entry
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- States and cities would lose federal money for housing, transit, and law enforcement if they have policies that block cooperation with immigration officers. To keep their funding, local governments must share information about people in their jails and honor requests to hold them for federal agents.
- The bill significantly increases jail time for crossing the border illegally. A first-time offense could lead to 5 years in prison, while people who return after being deported could face up to 20 years. It also requires that anyone charged with illegal entry be kept in jail without bond until their trial is over.
- International students would be barred from getting visas to attend colleges or schools located in cities that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement. This restriction would only be lifted once the city changes its policies and starts working with federal authorities.
- New protections for federal officers would make it a crime to use loud noises, such as megaphones or whistles, to disrupt their work. Additionally, the bill increases the prison sentences for anyone who assaults a federal employee, with some crimes carrying a minimum of 5 years in prison.
- Charity groups and nonprofits would lose their tax-exempt status if they promote or support criminal violence. This change would mean these organizations have to pay federal taxes and would likely make it harder for them to raise money from donors.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
This bill dramatically increases criminal penalties for unauthorized entry and reentry. A first offense would carry 1-5 years in prison (up from 0-6 months), and reentry after deportation would carry 5-10 years minimum. People charged with illegal entry would be held in mandatory detention with no option for bond or release. For those who have been deported multiple times or have prior convictions, penalties could reach 10-20 years in prison.
Programs
State Impacts
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
Trump has been having the same fight about sanctuary cities for 10 years. Winning it may not be the point. - The Boston
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protect America Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.