The DIRE Act reauthorizes and expands the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, which provides federal compensation to states and localities for the costs of incarcerating certain immigrants. The bill expands eligibility to include not only undocumented immigrants convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors, but also immigrants whose immigration status cannot be verified by federal authorities. States and localities would receive federal reimbursement equal to the average cost of incarceration for these individuals, with funds distributed within 120 days of submission. The legislation authorizes $950 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to cover these reimbursements, which can only be used for correctional purposes. The bill was introduced in February 2024 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
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