Brad Knott
05/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2025 15:41
Knott Introduces Landmark Immigration Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - This week, Congressman Brad Knott introduced legislation strengthening penalties against criminal illegal immigrants.
The "Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act" (H.R. 3242) draws on Rep. Knott's years of experience as a federal prosecutor battling organized crime. It amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to raise mandatory prison sentences for illegal immigrants who commit felonies, in some cases requiring a minimum of 10 years in federal prison prior to deportation.
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act accordingly:
- Any illegal alien who is convicted of a felony (state OR federal) shall face a minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison.
- Any illegal re-entry warrants up to 10 years in prison regardless of criminal history.
- Any illegal re-entry after a felony conviction and deportation faces 10 years to life in prison.
Rep. Brad Knott (NC-13)
"A high percentage of illegal alien border crossers are repeat offenders. This is in part because of the weak penalty for illegal re-entry: The maximum prison sentence for illegal re-entry is only 24 months. People illegally returning after deportation indicate an ongoing commitment to criminal behavior. Deportation alone is not the answer and penalties for illegal re-entry are insufficient. Many illegal aliens come to our country to enrich themselves with heinous crime at the expense of Americans and do not fear repercussions. This must change and will with the Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act (PIIFA)."
Quotes from Co-Sponsors:
Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10)
"America can't be a haven for criminals who cross our borders and prey on our communities. I'm proud to stand with Congressman Knott as a cosponsor of the Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act to crack down on repeat offenders and enforce the rule of law. If you come here illegally and commit crimes, there will be consequences."
Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14)
"As a prosecutor, Rep. Knott kept North Carolinians safe by putting violent offenders behind bars, and I'm proud to join him in this new effort in Washington to crack down on repeat offenders who cross our borders to commit crimes. The Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act brings an aggressive approach to holding these criminals accountable and protecting innocent Americans."
Rep. Addison McDowell (NC-06)
"If you break into our country, commit a felony, get deported, and sneak back in-you don't deserve leniency, you deserve prison. I'm proud to support Rep. Knott's bill because it holds repeat offenders accountable and shuts the door on criminals who treat our border like a revolving door. It's time we stop coddling illegal felons and start protecting American families."
Rep. Mark Harris (NC-08)
"MS-13 and Tren de Aragua have invaded and terrorized our country. Our legal system must have strong penalties to act as an effective deterrent to stop these violent gang members from crossing our borders. That's why I'm proud to co-sponsor Rep. Brad Knott's Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act, which raises criminal penalties for illegal aliens who repeatedly enter our country and commit felonies. We must send a crystal clear message to lawless gangs that the United States will no longer tolerate your crimes."
Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11)
"Crossing the U.S. border illegally is a crime, yet current penalties barely give repeat offenders - including illegal immigrants convicted of violent felonies - so much as a slap on the wrist for their offense. Strengthening penalties for anyone who tries to illegally cross our border multiple times will reiterate the message that America is back to putting our citizens first. We are cracking down on illegal immigration and securing our border so if you're thinking of coming to the United States, make sure you do it legally."
Rep. Mark Messmer (IN-08)
"The legal system needs to be reformed so previously deported illegal aliens trying to sneak back into our country will know the risk is not worth the reward. Americans deserve better than the status quo. The Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act will help deliver safer communities for all Americans."
Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02)
"When it comes to combatting illegal immigration, deterrence is the best form of prevention. For too long, a lack of repercussions for repeat offenders at the border drove encounters to record levels. Congressman Knott's bill takes a big step towards reversing Biden's failed border policies and protecting American communities. I applaud his efforts and am happy to lend my support."
Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT-03)
"Under the Biden Administration, millions of illegal aliens have invaded our country-many of whom are committing violent crimes against U.S. citizens. As the law currently stands, their routine punishment is deportation; however, they very often come right back. There is no deterrent to stop repeat offenders from continuously cycling in and out of the country at will. This bill addresses that issue by discouraging illegal immigration, removing criminals from the streets, and strengthening our national security as a whole."
Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06)
"A nation without borders is a nation without laws - and President Trump is right to make border security a top national priority. This bill builds on that legacy by making it clear: if you cross our border illegally and then commit serious crimes, you will face real consequences. We're restoring law and order, defending American sovereignty, and putting the safety of our citizens first."
Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21)
"During the four years of the Biden administration, illegal aliens-many of whom were dangerous actors -unlawfully re-entered the United States after deportation, some of whom committed crimes against the American people, knowing they'd likely face little to no consequences. My friend Brad Knott's bill would increase penalties for career illegal border-crossers, especially if they are convicted criminals, sending a clear message: crossing our border illegally will land you in jail for a long time. America should never tolerate abuse of our immigration laws. It is long past time to make the penalty for illegal reentry as severe as possible."
Rep. Mike Collins (GA-10)
"Illegal criminals have taken advantage of Joe Biden's weak Southern border and soft-on-crime judges for too long, and American citizens are paying the price. The Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act will get these criminals off our streets and in the jails where they belong. We're a country of law and order, and it's about time that the illegals understand that the United States will no longer be taken advantage of."
Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21)
"Without a secure border, we don't have a country. Entering our country as an illegal immigrant is a crime and should be treated as such. Anyone who chooses to disrespect our laws not once but over and over again clearly didn't get the message. Our border is closed to any immigrant who wishes to break our laws, and I support increasing the punishment for all who cannot or will not follow the rules."
Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08)
"As a former cop and the grandson of Mexican immigrants, I know how important lawful immigration is. Protecting the American Dream is sacred, and illegal immigrants who repeatedly cross our borders to commit crimes clearly have blatant disregard for our laws, posing a major threat to public safety. I'm proud to cosponsor the Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act to keep repeat offenders off our streets and keep our communities safe."
Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07)
"I am proud to co-sponsor the Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act. Joe Biden allowed illegal immigrants to come into our country and commit crimes with little to no penalty for far too long. This bill sends a clear message-if you are in our country illegally and are committing crimes, you will be prosecuted accordingly."
Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01)
"Under the Biden Administration, illegals got a free pass to come to our country and commit crimes without punishment. President Trump is leading the charge to enact real changes that protect American families, and passing Rep. Knott's Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act would help by significantly increasing penalties for repeated illegal entries across our border."
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Press Contact:
Quinn Slaven
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