Bill · S. 3790· Senate(119-S-3790)
Protect America Act
- Introduced
- 2/5/2026
- Last activity
- 2/5/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Schmitt
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protect America Act" implements several measures related to immigration enforcement and public safety. It conditions the receipt of certain Federal funds on a jurisdiction's cooperation with Federal immigration authorities. The bill increases criminal penalties for illegal entry and reentry into the United States, including mandatory detention for certain offenses. It also establishes protections for Federal officers against disruptions like loud noises and increases penalties for assaulting Federal officers. Additionally, it creates a civil remedy for victims of serious violent crimes committed by removable aliens if sanctuary policies obstructed enforcement. Finally, the act seeks to exclude organizations that promote or support criminal violence from receiving certain tax benefits.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+7
The bill expands federal oversight and conditions on federal funds for local jurisdictions.
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill increases penalties and detention requirements to strengthen immigration enforcement.
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?+3
The bill mandates more information sharing between local detention facilities and federal authorities.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Would immigrants be better off under this?-9
The bill significantly increases penalties, detention requirements, and restricts visa access for immigrants.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-7
The bill's strict immigration and reentry penalties disproportionately impact this demographic.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-6
The bill reduces local autonomy by mandating cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Federal Officers: The bill aims to protect Federal officers and employees from agitators using loud noises to interfere with their official duties (Section 302).
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Increased Penalties for Assaulting Federal Officers: The act increases penalties and adjusts mandatory minimum sentences for those who assault Federal officers (Section s 312).
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Victim Recourse: It provides a civil remedy for individuals who suffer personal injury or death resulting from a serious violent felony committed by a removable alien, provided a sanctuary policy obstructed enforcement (Section 143).
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Deterrence of Illegal Entry: The bill seeks to deter illegal entry and reentry through increased fines and prison sentences (Section 202).
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Mandatory Detention for Illegal Entry: It requires that certain individuals charged with illegal entry be detained pending the completion of criminal proceedings (Section 203).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burdens on Jurisdictions: States or local governments that maintain "sanctuary policies" may face the termination or recovery of Federal funds (Section 106).
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Loss of Student Visas: Educational institutions located in sanctuary jurisdictions may be prohibited from issuing F-visas or M-visas to students (Section 162).
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Impact on Nonprofits: Organizations that are found to promote, incite, or provide material support for criminal violence may lose their tax benefits under section 501(c)(3) (Section 402).
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Increased Penalties for Immigration Offenses: Individuals attempting illegal entry or reentry face significantly increased fines and lengthy prison sentences (Sections 203 and 204).
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-9Good For Hispanic Americans-7Good For Students-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-5Improves Pathway To Citizenship-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+7Increase States Rights-6Improves Due Process-4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance+3
- 2/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Introduced in Senate
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina