Bill · S. 1937· Senate(119-S-1937)
Visa Overstay Penalties Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/3/2025
- Last activity
- 6/3/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Banks
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Visa Overstay Penalties Act of 2025," aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. It focuses on expanding penalties related to illegal entry and unlawful presence. Specifically, it introduces new penalties for nonimmigrants who fail to maintain their status or comply with the conditions of their stay for an aggregate of 10 days or more. The bill also increases certain fine amounts and adjusts how previous convictions or civil penalties impact future penalties.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill expands federal authority to penalize and imprison nonimmigrants for visa overstays.
Does this tighten control of the border?+1
The bill increases penalties for unlawful presence, which aligns with stricter border and immigration enforcement goals.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would immigrants be better off under this?-8
The bill imposes severe criminal penalties, imprisonment, and high fines on individuals for visa overstays.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-5
Increased penalties for visa overstays often disproportionately impact Hispanic immigrant communities.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-5
The bill creates significant legal and financial barriers for nonimmigrants, potentially hindering stable status.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Penalties for Subsequent Offenses: Under Section 2, subsection (a), the bill expands penalties for those who have previously been convicted of specific offenses. This increases the consequences for repeat offenders.
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Higher Minimum Fines: Under Section 2, subsection (b), the bill increases the fine range for certain offenses from a maximum of $250 to a range between $500 and $1,000. This represents a stricter financial penalty for these individuals.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
New Criminal Penalties for Visa Overstays: Under Section 2, subsection (e)(1) and (e)(2)(A), nonimmigrants who fail to maintain their status or comply with conditions for 10 days or more can face fines under title 18 or imprisonment for up to 6 months for a first violation, or up to 2 years for subsequent violations.
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Increased Civil Penalties for Visa Overstays: Under Section 2, subsection (e)(2)(B), individuals violating the status requirements are subject to a civil penalty of between $500 and $1,000, which can be doubled if they have been previously subject to certain civil penalties or violations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-8Good For Hispanic Americans-5Good For Low Income Households-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+1Improves Pathway To Citizenship-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Due Process-3
- 6/3/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate