By Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA, on Immigration Updates
The U.S. House of representatives passed legislation Thursday, September 11, 2025, with bipartisan support that would significantly increase prison penalties for migrants who repeatedly enter the United States illegally or enter and subsequently commit felonies. The bill passed 226-197 with eleven Democrats joining Republicans, representing part of President Trump and the GOP's broader tough-on-immigration agenda. If passed into law, the measure would establish a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, with potential life sentences, for migrants who improperly enter the U.S. and are later convicted of a felony, while also increasing maximum prison terms for repeated improper entry from two to five years.
Sponsored by Oklahoma Republican Rep. Stephanie Bice, the legislation now moves to the Senate where Republicans hold a 53-vote majority but need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The eleven Democrats who supported the bill all represent battleground districts and are Republican targets in upcoming elections. Opposition Democrats argued that adequate penalties already exist for migrant criminals and criticized the measure as wasteful of taxpayer dollars. The bill includes provisions for increased sentences for migrants convicted of reentry after multiple removals or those previously convicted of crimes before deportation. A companion bill in the Senate, known as Kate's Law, has been introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz.
For more information on this, and other immigration matters, contact the attorneys at Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA today.
Reference
Carney, Jordain. "House passes bill to increase penalties for illegal entry into US." Roll Call, September 11, 2025. https://rollcall.com/2025/09/11/house-passes-bill-to-increase-penalties-for-illegal-entry-into-us/.
