Protect America Act

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.

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