The U.S. House of Representatives has voted in favor of substantially tougher penalties for immigrants who commit felonies and illegally re-enter the country, JustTheNews reported.
The newly passed "Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025" seeks to enhance sanctions against illegal immigrants who continue to enter the U.S. unlawfully. Introduced by Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., in May 2025, the bill proposes stringent measures as part of broader immigration control efforts.
A minimum sentence of five years and a possibility of life imprisonment could now be imposed on immigrants convicted of felonies who illegally enter the United States again.
This legislative push encapsulates a significant shift toward penalizing violent felons and repeat offenders who defy deportation orders. Notably, the bill was passed by a margin of 226 to 197 in the House of Representatives.
Bipartisan support was evident, with 11 Democrats breaking ranks to vote alongside the majority of Republicans. Among these were Reps. Don Davis, D-N.C., and Lauren Gillen, D-N.Y., who lent their support to the proposal.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., emphasized the bill's alignment with the Trump administration's strict immigration policies. He highlighted its role in defending the rule of law and proposed it as a deterrent to law violations related to immigration.
The American Civil Liberties Union, represented by Mike Zamore, has voiced strong opposition to the Act. Zamore criticized the measure for escalating the criminalization of immigration and for instilling fear within communities.
Democrats, led by voices such as Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., have expressed several concerns. Levin's disapproval was based on the bill's exclusion of protections for DACA recipients and its potential burden on taxpayers due to high enforcement costs.
He further pointed out the bill's failure to allow for prosecutorial discretion, which could lead to unnecessary harsh penalties being applied uniformly.
Supporters like Rep. Stephanie Bice have argued that these measures are necessary to aid law enforcement and border control agencies in managing serious criminal activities among immigrants.
"We must deter future illegal immigration and give our law enforcement and border patrol officers the tools they need to hold dangerous criminals accountable," stated Bice, framing the law as a response to ongoing security demands.
In contrast, House Speaker Johnson remarked that the legislation serves to "send an unmistakable message" concerning the consequences of repeated law violations, particularly focusing on violent felons who have previously been deported.
As the bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, the debate continues both in Congress and among the public. Proponents see it as a necessary step to safeguard national security, while opponents worry about its ethical implications and financial impact.
The balancing act between ensuring national security and maintaining humane immigration practices remains a contentious issue in U.S. legislative dialogues. With significant opposition from groups like the ACLU, the Senate's response to this legislative effort is eagerly anticipated.
Ultimately, the passage in the Senate will determine the future of immigration policy enforcement and the fate of many immigrants under the new legal stipulations proposed by the "Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025."
