Build Better Borders Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-6022
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Introduced: 2021-11-18
Policy area: Immigration
Latest action: action_date: 2022-11-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-11-18
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><strong>Build Better Borders Act of 2021</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 6022 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 18, 2021 Mr. Carter of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Grothman , Mr. Allen , and Mr. Biggs ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary , and in addition to the Committees on Homeland Security , and Ways and Means , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the civil penalty for unlawfully entering the United States, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Build Better Borders Act of 2021 . 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 . 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: 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. .