H.R. 2631: The "Visa Overstay Enforcement Act of 2013"
July 11, 2013
Bill: H.R. 2631, the “Visa Overstay Enforcement Act of 2013 | Read the text of the bill.
Sponsor: Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA-11)
Description: According to a press release from Rep. Barletta’s office, the “Visa Overstay Enforcement Act of 2013” would:
…addresses those who do not make a good faith effort to leave the United States by the expiration date of their visas. Upon a first offense, the bill creates a felony punishable by a $10,000 fine and one year in jail. The illegal immigrant may not be legally admitted to the U.S. for five years from the date of conviction and may not apply for a visa for ten years from the date of conviction. A second offense also would be a felony, punishable by fine of $15,000 and up to 5 years in jail. The illegal immigrant would be banned from entering the United States for life.
The second facet of the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a plan to Congress detailing a biometric exit program involving the taking of fingerprints of those leaving the country at all land, sea and air ports. The plan must be submitted within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this bill. Plans for pilot programs for land borders must be provided in the first 30 days following enactment, two along the Canadian border and four along the Mexican border. The biometric exit program must be implemented at all airports within one year after enactment and at all land and sea ports within two years.
Current status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration & Border Security on July 15, 2015.