Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1088 - Restoring American Sovereignty Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.1088, the "Restoring American Sovereignty Act," aims to redirect funds, previously paused by Executive Order 14169, towards the deportation of illegal aliens from the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary. It seeks to override any existing legal provisions that might hinder the use of these funds for deportation purposes.

The bill's primary focus is on altering the allocation of existing funds, specifically those affected by a prior executive order. This reallocation is intended to prioritize and expedite the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

The Act's short title suggests a broader goal of restoring American sovereignty, implying that the deportation of illegal aliens is a necessary step in achieving this objective.

Expected Effects

If enacted, H.R.1088 would likely lead to an increase in deportations of undocumented immigrants. This would occur by freeing up funds that were previously restricted.

The bill could also lead to legal challenges, particularly concerning the extent of presidential authority over congressionally allocated funds and potential conflicts with existing immigration laws. The impact on communities and families affected by deportation could be significant.

Furthermore, the bill could affect the relationship between the executive and legislative branches, particularly concerning the balance of power over budgetary matters and immigration policy.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased border security and reduced strain on social services, as proponents argue.
  • Potential for cost savings in the long run due to reduced expenditures on social services for undocumented immigrants.
  • Reinforcement of the rule of law by ensuring that immigration laws are enforced.
  • Could deter future illegal immigration.
  • May free up resources for other government priorities.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for family separation and negative impacts on communities with large immigrant populations.
  • Economic disruption in industries that rely on immigrant labor.
  • Increased costs associated with deportation proceedings and enforcement.
  • Possible violation of due process rights for individuals facing deportation.
  • Damage to the United States' reputation as a welcoming nation for immigrants.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has broad authority over immigration policy under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization.

However, the bill's attempt to redirect funds previously allocated by Congress raises questions about the separation of powers and the President's authority over budgetary matters. The President's power to execute laws (Article II) may be interpreted differently depending on one's view of executive authority.

Furthermore, the due process rights of individuals facing deportation, as protected by the Fifth Amendment, could be implicated if the deportation process is not conducted fairly and lawfully.

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).