Protect RAIL Act

This bill adds a new rule to immigration law about cargo theft. If a non‑U.S. citizen is convicted of stealing from shipments moving between states or countries (like goods on trains, trucks, or ships), they could be deported. It also says people with such convictions—or who admit to committing the crime—cannot enter the United States. The crimes are the ones covered by federal law on theft from interstate or foreign shipments (18 U.S.C. 659).

Key points:

• Who is affected: Non‑U.S. citizens involved in theft from interstate or foreign shipments by carrier.
• What changes: Adds new grounds to deny entry and to deport for these offenses; entry can be denied for convictions or admitted acts, while deportation requires a conviction.
• Where it applies: Shipments moving across state lines or international borders, such as rail, truck, or ship cargo.