H.R.1913 - Blocking Lawless Open Border Cities and States; Act of 2025; BLOC Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1913, also known as the BLOC Act, aims to amend Title 23 of the United States Code, potentially limiting certain federal funding to states and their political subdivisions deemed 'sanctuary jurisdictions'. These are defined as those without a process to notify the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prior to the release of certain detained aliens. The bill seeks to ensure that states and localities cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts by requiring notification to DHS before releasing aliens who are not lawfully present in the US.
Expected Effects
The BLOC Act could result in states and localities implementing notification policies to avoid losing federal transportation funding. This could lead to increased cooperation between state/local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Conversely, some jurisdictions may choose to forgo federal funding to maintain existing sanctuary policies.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially enhances national security by improving tracking of aliens not lawfully present in the United States.
- May lead to more efficient use of federal resources by focusing funding on jurisdictions that cooperate with federal law enforcement.
- Could reduce crime rates if aliens unlawfully present are more closely monitored and deported if necessary.
- May incentivize states and localities to comply with federal immigration laws.
- Could provide more certainty and clarity regarding the legal status of detained individuals.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain relationships between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, potentially reducing trust and cooperation.
- May lead to increased costs for states and localities to implement the required notification systems.
- Could face legal challenges based on federalism and states' rights.
- May disproportionately impact minority communities and lead to racial profiling.
- Could disrupt local economies that rely on immigrant labor.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The constitutionality of the BLOC Act is debatable. Congress has the power to regulate immigration under Article I, Section 8, Clause 4. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about the extent to which the federal government can compel states to enforce federal immigration laws. Additionally, the Act could potentially infringe on individual liberties and due process rights, particularly if it leads to increased profiling or detention based on immigration status.
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).