This bill allows states to build barriers along their borders to prevent illegal immigration without facing lawsuits from the federal government. It gives states more control over their border security measures.
Preventing Aliens Through Rivers or Land Act or the PATROL Act This bill prohibits the Department of Justice (DOJ) from bringing certain civil actions against a state for building a physical structure impacting navigable waters along the U.S. border for security purposes. Specifically, the DOJ is prohibited from bringing an action for (1) the construction of a bridge, causeway, dam, dike, or other structure over or in a port, harbor, or other navigable water of the United States without federal approval; or (2) the creation of any obstruction to the navigable capacity of waters of the United States without federal approval.
1. This bill stops the Department of Justice from suing states over certain border security actions. 2. States can build barriers like walls or fences to prevent illegal immigration. 3. The bill protects states' rights to secure their borders without federal interference. 4. It applies to actions taken under a specific 1899 law regarding water and land use. 5. The bill defines barriers as any physical structure meant to secure the border.
States along the international border that want to enhance their border security.