Press Releases

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) and Randy Fine (R-FL-06) reintroduced the Visa Overstays Penalties Act to close dangerous immigration loopholes and hold accountable those who abuse the legal entry system.

“East Texans understand that illegal immigration doesn’t stop at the border,” said Rep. Moran. “Thousands have entered the U.S. legally, only to overstay their visas and remain here unlawfully. This bill reclassifies visa overstays as ‘illegal entry’ and imposes serious penalties to help restore law and order.”

The legislation would impose up to six months of jail time for first-time offenders and civil fines starting at $500—doubling with each violation. Several 9/11 hijackers overstayed visas, as did Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in the recent Boulder, Colorado, terror attack.

“As we all know, the failed policies of the former Biden-Harris Administration turned every state into a border state,” Moran added. “We cannot allow that era of lawlessness to ever return. We must build on President Trump’s historic momentum to secure and protect our border. Visa overstays must carry real consequences—and this legislation delivers on restoring peace and justice.”

Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL-06) said, “The only place a foreigner should be the day their visa expires is on a plane out of our country. If you’re not, congratulations—you’re now a criminal alien. Being a criminal has consequences, and this bill adds teeth to existing immigration laws to deter and discourage foreign visitors from violating American law. This law makes preventable tragedies like the antisemitic Muslim terrorist attacks in Boulder less likely and makes our communities safer overall. I’m proud to work with Congressman Moran to co-lead this bill, and I’m looking forward to seeing it passed in the House again.”

“In 2023, Mohamed Soliman overstayed his tourist visa but was never deported; two years later, he launched an antisemitic terrorist attack that maimed 15 innocent American citizens,” said Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee. “This man should have never even been in our country—and yet he was, because the Biden Administration refused to enforce our laws. I’m thankful to Congressman Moran for his leadership in reintroducing the Visa Overstays Penalties Act, which will criminalize the act of overstaying a visa and guarantee that terrorists like Soliman are never again able to illegally remain in our country.”

Background:

The legislation is being co-led by Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL-06), reinforcing its national importance and broad Republican support.

The Visa Overstays Penalties Act includes:

• Reclassification of Visa Overstays: Overstaying a visa for more than 10 days would be classified as "illegal entry," aligning it with unauthorized border crossings.
• Criminal Penalties:

o    First Offense: Up to six months of imprisonment.

o    Subsequent Offenses: Up to two years of imprisonment.

• Civil Penalties:

o    First Violation: Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000.

o    Repeat Violations: Fines doubling from the initial amount.

This legislation aims to address security concerns by ensuring that visa overstays are met with the necessary legal consequences, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.

The Visa Overstays Penalties Act was originally included as part of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which passed the United States House of Representatives with a 219-213 vote last Congress.