The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the “Stop Illegal Entry Act,” legislation that imposes harsher criminal penalties on people who enter the country illegally and commit felonies afterward.
- The bill passed by a vote of 226–197, with most Republicans supporting it.
- Roughly 197 Democrats voted against the measure, while 11 Democrats crossed party lines to vote in favor.
Under the new law:
- The maximum prison term for illegal entry rises from two years to five years.
- If someone illegally enters, despite being denied entry in the past, the maximum penalty increases to 10 years.
- For felony after illegal entry, the proposed punishment spans five years to life in prison depending on the severity of the crime.
Republicans argue the legislation is needed to deter illegal entry and enhance tools for law enforcement. Opponents, largely Democratic, say the bill unfairly targets noncitizens and could lead to overly punitive outcomes.
The vote reflects a sharp partisan split over immigration enforcement and border policy, which remains one of the most polarizing issues in Congress.