Summary of HR 4092 - Protect RAIL Act

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HR 4092
• Title: Protect RAIL Act
• Introduced: June 24, 2025
• Status: Introduced in House
• Primary Sponsor: Paul A. Gosar
• Cosponsors: 24 additional members of Congress

Purpose and Intent

The Protect RAIL Act aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to enhance the legal framework regarding the inadmissibility and deportability of aliens who have committed specific offenses related to interstate or foreign shipments by carrier. The bill is designed to address concerns about criminal activities that threaten the integrity of transportation systems, particularly railroads.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following significant changes to the INA:

1. Inadmissibility:

   • The bill adds a new provision under Section 212(a)(2) of the INA, stating that any alien who has been convicted of, or admits to committing acts constituting an offense under Section 659 of Title 18, U.S. Code (which pertains to theft from interstate shipments), is considered inadmissible to the United States.

2. Deportability:

   • It also amends Section 237(a)(2) of the INA to classify any alien convicted of an offense under the same section (Section 659) or involved in a conspiracy to commit such an offense as deportable.

Impact

The Protect RAIL Act would primarily affect:
- Aliens: Individuals who are not U.S. citizens and have been convicted of or admitted to committing relevant offenses related to interstate or foreign shipments.
- Law Enforcement and Immigration Authorities: The bill would provide these agencies with clearer guidelines for handling cases involving such offenses, potentially leading to increased deportations of individuals involved in these crimes.

Procedural Aspects

• The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on the same day, June 24, 2025. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through Congress.

Conclusion

The Protect RAIL Act seeks to strengthen immigration laws concerning criminal activities that undermine transportation security, particularly focusing on theft and related offenses. By establishing clear standards for inadmissibility and deportability, the bill aims to enhance the safety and integrity of the nation's rail systems.