Perhaps federal law might provide that:
Each alien who commits a felony and reenters the USA without individual authorization of the Attorney General shall be deemed to have a committed a felony and shall be punished by being incarcerated in a federal penitentiary for the longest period of time the alien could have been imprisoned for all previous felonies committed after this section of federal law went into effect, or such lesser period of time the Attorney General may choose that is at least 12 months long.
BRAVE AI:
Re-entering the United States after deportation is generally a felony under 8 U.S. Code § 1326.
Basic Penalty: The standard maximum sentence is 2 years in federal prison, a fine, or both.
Aggravated Circumstances: Sentences increase significantly based on prior criminal history, with maximum penalties of 10 years for prior felonies or drug/person crimes, and up to 20 years for prior aggravated felonies.
Permanent Bar: Illegally re-entering after deportation typically results in a permanent bar from future admission, though waivers may be possible after ten years depending on the specific circumstances.
Legal Distinction: While the underlying entry is a felony, a first-time simple illegal entry (without prior deportation) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison.