Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025
Summary
The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the ties between criminal gangs and political/economic elites in Haiti. It also imposes sanctions on Haitian political and economic figures involved in criminal activities. The Act aims to address the destabilizing influence of criminal gangs and their connections to elites, thereby protecting both the Haitian people and U.S. national interests.
Expected Effects
This Act will likely lead to increased scrutiny of Haitian political and economic figures, potentially disrupting their activities through sanctions. The reporting requirements will provide Congress with detailed information to inform further policy decisions regarding Haiti. This may also strain relations with some Haitian elites while strengthening ties with those committed to combating corruption.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding the links between Haitian elites and criminal gangs.
- Potential disruption of criminal activities through the imposition of sanctions.
- Enhanced U.S. national security by addressing transnational crime and instability in Haiti.
- Improved governance and rule of law in Haiti, fostering a more stable environment.
- Supports human rights by targeting those who enable criminal exploitation and violence.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended economic consequences in Haiti due to sanctions.
- Risk of inaccurate or biased reporting, leading to unjust sanctions.
- Possible strain on diplomatic relations with Haiti if the Act is perceived as intrusive.
- Limited effectiveness if sanctions are easily circumvented or if corruption is deeply entrenched.
- Could create a power vacuum if elites are removed without addressing underlying systemic issues.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the U.S. Constitution by exercising Congress's power to regulate foreign commerce (Article I, Section 8) and to define and punish offenses against the law of nations. The imposition of sanctions is a tool of foreign policy, which is generally within the purview of the Executive branch, but Congress has the power to legislate in this area. The reporting requirements ensure congressional oversight of foreign policy decisions.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).