Fight for the American Dream Act
Summary
The "Fight for the American Dream Act" aims to amend Title 10 of the United States Code to allow certain aliens with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to enlist in the Armed Forces. It also seeks to modernize military naturalization processes by amending Title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would expand the pool of potential recruits for the U.S. military by including individuals with DACA status. It would also streamline the naturalization process for those serving in the Selected Reserve or on active duty. This could potentially impact military readiness and the integration of immigrant populations.
Potential Benefits
- Expands the pool of potential military recruits.
- Streamlines naturalization for service members.
- Provides a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients serving in the military.
- Potentially strengthens military readiness with diverse talent.
- Aligns military service with the American Dream for immigrants.
Potential Disadvantages
- May raise concerns about the security vetting process for DACA recipients.
- Could face legal challenges regarding the eligibility of non-citizens for military service.
- May create administrative burdens for processing enlistments and naturalizations.
- Potential for political opposition based on immigration policy debates.
- Possible strain on military resources to accommodate new recruits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to raise and support armies, but the Constitution does not explicitly address the enlistment of non-citizens. The Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause could be invoked if the bill is perceived as discriminatory. The power to establish rules of naturalization is also granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which this bill seeks to amend.
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).