Build Better Borders Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.6022 | Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" (R-GA)
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
Build Better Borders Act of 2021
This bill increases a civil penalty for improperly entering the United States and appropriates the collected funds for certain uses, including for the construction of a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Specifically, the civil penalty for an alien apprehended while entering (or attempting to enter) the United States at a time or place other than as designated by immigration officers shall be $450,000, or $900,000 for an individual who has been previously subject to the penalty. Under current law, the penalty is between $50 and $250, or between $100 and $500 for an individual who has been previously subject to the penalty.
The bill appropriates the funds from such penalties for use by the Department of Homeland Security, and the funds may only be used to (1) plan, design, construct, or maintain a barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border; and (2) purchase and maintain necessary vehicles and equipment for the U.S. Border Patrol.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the civil 
   penalty for unlawfully entering the United States, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Build Better Borders Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. INCREASED CIVIL PENALTIES FOR UNLAWFUL ENTRY.

    Section 275(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 
1325(b)(1)) is amended by striking ``at least $50 and not more than 
$250'' and inserting ``$450,000''.

SEC. 3. BORDER WALL TRUST FUND.

    (a) Establishment of Fund.--At the end of subchapter III of chapter 
33 of title 31, United States Code, insert the following:
``Sec. 3344. Secure the Southern Border Fund
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury shall 
establish an account in the Treasury of the United States, to be known 
as the `Secure the Southern Border Fund', into which funds collected 
under section 275(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 
U.S.C. 1325(b)(1)) shall be deposited.
    ``(b) Appropriation.--Funds deposited in the Secure the Southern 
Border Fund shall be available until expended. Such funds are 
authorized to be appropriated, and are appropriated, to the Secretary 
of Homeland Security only--
            ``(1) to plan, design, construct, or maintain a barrier 
        along the international border between the United States and 
        Mexico; and
            ``(2) to purchase and maintain necessary vehicles and 
        equipment for U.S. Border Patrol agents.
    ``(c) Limitation.--Not more than 5 percent of the funds deposited 
in the Secure the Southern Border Fund may be used for the purpose 
described in subsection (b)(2).''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for chapter 33 of 
title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the 
following:

``3344. Secure the Southern Border Fund.''.
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