This bill adds a new reason that a jury can consider the death penalty in certain federal cases. If a person is in the U.S. illegally and is convicted of killing, trying to kill, or planning to kill a U.S. citizen, that fact can be counted as an extra reason to seek a death sentence in federal court.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People in the U.S. illegally who are convicted in federal court of killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a U.S. citizen; federal prosecutors and juries; victims’ families.
• What changes: This adds a new “aggravating factor” for death penalty decisions in federal cases. It does not create a new crime; it changes what can be weighed at sentencing.
• Where it applies: Federal cases covered by the U.S. Code section on death penalty sentencing factors.