This section of the U.S. Criminal Code makes it a criminal act to cross a U.S. border without authorization. Several 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, prompted by Julian Castro, came out in support of repealing Section 1325 and making an unauthorized crossing a civil violation instead of a criminal violation. Then-candidate Joe Biden did not support repeal.

A law passed with broad bipartisan support that provided funding for the construction of 700 miles of fencing along the southern border.