Senator Jim Bank has introduced the Visa Overstay Penalties Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at addressing the growing concern over visa overstays in the United States. The bill seeks to close a critical loophole in U.S. immigration law by classifying overstaying a visa as a criminal offense, placing it on par with illegal border crossings.

Under the proposed legislation, first-time offenders could face up to six months in jail, while repeat violators could face sentences of up to two years. Additionally, civil fines for visa overstays would rise significantly, ranging from $500 to $1,000, with penalties doubling for individuals who commit repeat violations.

“This is about national security,” said Senator Banks in a statement. “The Boulder terrorist and the 9/11 hijackers didn’t sneak into the country-they overstayed their visas. That’s just as serious and just as dangerous. My bill cracks down on visa overstays with criminal penalties to stop threats before they happen.”

The Visa Overstay Penalties Act is designed to tackle a key national security threat by ensuring that unlawful presence in the U.S. is taken seriously. It will make overstaying a visa equivalent to “illegal entry” under federal law, offering a stronger deterrent against such violations.

The bill is expected to receive significant attention as it moves through the legislative process.