The Protect America Act makes significant changes to immigration enforcement and related federal policy. It requires state and local jurisdictions receiving federal funds from Justice, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, or Transportation departments to comply with immigration cooperation requirements or lose that funding, with the Attorney General identifying noncompliant "sanctuary" jurisdictions within 60 days of enactment. The bill also dramatically increases criminal penalties for illegal entry, imposing 1-5 years imprisonment and $25,000-$100,000 fines for first-time offenders (compared to previous lower penalties) and 2-10 years for repeat offenders, while mandating detention without bond or parole for anyone charged with illegal entry. Additionally, the legislation denies tax-exempt charitable status to organizations that promote, incite, or provide material support for criminal violence, though it includes protections for lawful First Amendment speech. These changes take effect immediately upon enactment and apply to tax years beginning after the bill becomes law.
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