H.R.1071 - No Censors on our Shores Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1071, the "No Censors on our Shores Act," aims to prevent foreign government officials involved in censoring American speech from entering or remaining in the United States. The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deem such individuals inadmissible and deportable. This is based on actions that, if committed by a U.S. government official within the U.S., would violate the First Amendment.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would likely result in the denial of entry visas or deportation of foreign officials found to have censored American speech. This could lead to diplomatic tensions with countries whose officials are affected. It may also deter some foreign officials from engaging in censorship activities targeting Americans.
Potential Benefits
- Protects the First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens from foreign interference.
- Sends a strong message against censorship to foreign governments.
- Potentially deters foreign officials from censoring American speech.
- Reinforces the U.S. commitment to freedom of expression.
- Could lead to greater online freedom for Americans.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain diplomatic relations with certain countries.
- May be difficult to enforce, requiring complex investigations into censorship activities.
- Could be seen as an overreach of U.S. jurisdiction.
- Potential for retaliatory measures against U.S. officials abroad.
- Risk of misinterpretation or misuse in defining what constitutes censorship.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. By targeting foreign officials who engage in censorship that would violate the First Amendment if committed by a U.S. official, the bill seeks to protect this fundamental right. The bill also touches on immigration law, which is generally within the purview of the federal government, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
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).