Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Build Better Borders Act of 2021” .
Build Better Borders Act of 2021
A BILL
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the civil penalty for unlawfully entering the United States, and for other purposes.
Sec. 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”.
Sec. 3 Border wall trust fund
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).”
Clerical amendment— The table of contents for chapter 33 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following: