Detailed Summary

Alien Smuggling and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to check against all available terrorist watchlists those alien smugglers and smuggled individuals who are interdicted at U.S. land, air, and sea borders.

Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to revise alien smuggling and related offense provisions to: (1) provide mandatory minimum sentences for smuggling convictions; (2) revise criminal offense and criminal penalty provisions; and (3) provide extraterritorial jurisdiction over such offenses.

Limits a defense of necessity in the case of knowingly bringing an illegal alien into the United States that occurs on the high seas.

Exempts from certain of such violations (transporting or harboring in the United States) a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States (or its agents or officers) that encourages, invites, or enables an alien who is present in the United States to serve as a volunteer minister or missionary for such organization in the United States, provided the minister or missionary has been a member of the denomination for at least one year.

Increases criminal (prison) penalties for specified maritime violations, including alien smuggling. Limits a defense of necessity.

Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend as appropriate sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of alien smuggling offenses and criminal failure to heave to or obstruction of boarding.

Status of the Legislation

Latest Major Action: 12/13/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Points in Favor

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Points Against

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