BUILDING AMERICA’S TRUST ACT
Authorizes approximately $15 billion over 4 years for a long-term border security and interior enforcement
strategy, strengthening existing legal authorities and increasing public safety.
 Securing Our Borders
• Smart, Multilayered Infrastructure— Authorizes and requires the deployment of multi-layered
tactical infrastructure across the full Southern Border, which at the DHS Secretary’s discretion
could include a wall system, fencing, levees, technology, or other physical barriers. Requires the
DHS Secretary to consult with local stakeholders and deploy the most effective and practical
means of achieving operational control (apprehension of illegal border crossers) and situational
awareness (persistent surveillance) in every sector of the Southern Border.
• Faster, More Efficient Ports of Entry — Includes a massive resource investment to improve our
ports of entry. Targets illegal immigration and drug trafficking at ports, while facilitating increased
legitimate trade and travel.
• Additional Boots on the Ground — Increases the number of Border Patrol agents, Custom and
Border Protection Officers at ports, agricultural inspectors, ICE officers, immigration judges, and
federal prosecutors.
• Stronger Border Law Enforcement — Increases resources available for state and local law
enforcement to aggressively fight drug trafficking, smuggling, and other crimes on the Southern
Border. Creates new criminal penalties and tools for law enforcement to target transnational
criminal organizations. Authorizes partnerships between DHS and state and local law enforcement
to help identify and remove criminal illegal immigrants.
• Prevents Humanitarian Crises on the Southern Border—Directly addresses unaccompanied
minors who illegally cross the border by requiring them to be swiftly screened by an immigration
judge to determine if they have a legal claim to remain in the United States or voluntarily returned
to their home country.
 Strengthening Enforcement of Existing Immigration Laws
• Zero Tolerance for Criminals and National Security Threats — Ends “catch and release” of
criminal illegal immigrants and repeat immigration violators. Gives DHS additional tools to
investigate, apprehend, and swiftly remove criminals from the United States. Includes Kate’s Law
to lock up aggravated felons who repeatedly cross our borders illegally. Includes enhanced
measures to bar terrorists and national security threats from entering the United States.
• Prohibits Sanctuary Cities— Holds sanctuary cities accountable for helping criminals by
imposing tough penalties on federal funds for jurisdictions who fail to comply with lawful federal
immigration enforcement requests.
• Targets Visa Overstays — Identifies visa overstays through full deployment of the Biometric
Entry-Exit System at ports of entry, while cutting off all immigration benefits to those who abuse
our visa system.
• Enhanced Vetting to Protect the Homeland—Increases visa security and background checks for
individuals seeking to enter the United States from foreign countries.
 Endorsements
• National Border Patrol Council, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Coalition, Southwestern Border
Sheriff’s Coalition, Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, and National Sheriffs’ Association.