House Approves Bill Increasing Penalties Illegal Re-Entry US

The House of Representatives passed the Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025, a bill supported by President Donald Trump that enhances penalties for illegal immigrants, especially repeat offenders and those convicted of felonies. The legislation increases prison sentences, setting mandatory minimums of five years and allowing up to life imprisonment for illegal re-entry after felony convictions, and extends maximum sentences for repeated illegal entry from two to ten years. The bill received bipartisan support with 11 Democrats voting in favor, primarily from battleground districts, while no Republicans opposed it. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to deter illegal immigration and address security concerns, citing over 10 million illegal crossings and encounters with individuals on the Terrorist Watch List during the Biden administration. Critics contend that existing laws already impose sufficient penalties and that the bill could be overly punitive. Advocacy groups like AMAC endorse the measure, emphasizing the importance of enforcing immigration laws to protect national security and communities.