S.225 - End Unaccountable Amnesty Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.225, the "End Unaccountable Amnesty Act," aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, primarily focusing on reforming temporary protected status (TPS), unaccompanied alien children policies, immigration parole, and prohibited identification documents for air travel. The bill seeks to place more restrictions and congressional oversight on TPS designations, alter procedures for unaccompanied alien children, repeal cancellation of removal processes, and limit the use of certain identification documents at airport security checkpoints. It also aims to reform immigration parole, limiting its scope and application.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is a reduction in access to temporary protected status, stricter enforcement regarding unaccompanied alien children, and limitations on immigration parole. It could also lead to increased scrutiny at airport security checkpoints due to the prohibition of certain identification documents. These changes would likely impact individuals seeking humanitarian relief or those with pending immigration cases.
Potential Benefits
- Increased border security: By restricting TPS and parole, the bill aims to tighten border control.
- Reduced strain on social services: Limiting access to immigration benefits could reduce the burden on social services.
- Enhanced national security: Prohibiting certain identification documents at airports could enhance security measures.
- Congressional oversight: The bill increases congressional control over immigration matters.
- Discourages illegal immigration: Stricter policies may deter individuals from entering the U.S. unlawfully.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced humanitarian protection: Restricting TPS and parole could limit the U.S.'s ability to offer humanitarian protection to vulnerable populations.
- Increased hardship for families: Stricter policies on unaccompanied children and parole could separate families and create hardship.
- Potential for due process violations: Changes to removal proceedings could raise concerns about due process.
- Economic impact: Limiting access to labor through immigration restrictions could negatively impact certain sectors of the economy.
- Damage to international reputation: Restrictive immigration policies could harm the U.S.'s reputation as a welcoming nation.
Constitutional Alignment
Several aspects of this bill raise constitutional concerns. The changes to due process for unaccompanied alien children could conflict with the Fifth Amendment. The limitations on immigration parole may be challenged as an overreach of executive power, though Congress has broad authority over immigration under Article I, Section 8. The bill's impact on individual liberties and equal protection could also be subject to judicial review under the Fourteenth Amendment.
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).