Visa Integrity Act: New Penalties for Visa Overstays
This act introduces stricter penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals who overstay their nonimmigrant visas in the U.S. It also increases fines for other immigration violations and mandates the U.S. government to negotiate data sharing agreements with Mexico regarding entry and exit information.
Key points
Individuals who overstay their nonimmigrant visa by 10 days or more may face fines and imprisonment up to 6 months for a first offense, and up to 2 years for subsequent offenses.
Civil penalties for immigration violations are increased, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, up from the previous $50-$250.
Foreign nationals will be notified of visa violation penalties upon application and again at the time of admission to the U.S.
Exceptions to penalties are provided for violations due to medical necessity, public safety, or national security.
The U.S. government will seek to negotiate agreements with Mexico to share biometric data, traveler criminal history, immigration violations, and integrated entry/exit data at the land border.
Expired
Citizen Poll