For the relief of Roberto Carlos Lopez.
Summary
H.R. 7639, a bill introduced in the House of Representatives, seeks to provide Roberto Carlos Lopez with permanent resident status in the United States. This bill bypasses certain sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow Lopez to apply for an immigrant visa or adjust his status. It also includes waivers for grounds of removal or denial of admission that may exist in Department of Homeland Security or Department of State records.
Expected Effects
If enacted, Roberto Carlos Lopez would be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, notwithstanding certain standard requirements of immigration law. The Secretary of Homeland Security would be required to rescind any outstanding removal orders against him. The bill also stipulates a reduction in the number of immigrant visas available to natives of Lopez's country of origin.
Potential Benefits
- Allows an individual to gain legal permanent residency.
- Provides a pathway to citizenship for an individual who may otherwise be ineligible.
- Corrects a perceived injustice or hardship in an individual case.
- May set a precedent for similar cases in the future, potentially streamlining immigration processes.
- Could be seen as an act of compassion and humanitarianism.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Circumvents standard immigration procedures, potentially undermining the rule of law.
- Reduces the number of immigrant visas available to others who may be waiting to immigrate legally.
- May create a perception of unfairness among those who have followed the standard immigration process.
- Could encourage others to attempt to circumvent immigration laws in hopes of similar relief.
- Sets a precedent for individualized immigration relief, potentially overwhelming the legislative system.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. This bill appears to fall within that power, as it addresses immigration and naturalization. However, the bill's focus on a single individual raises questions about whether it adheres to the principle of equal protection under the law, although this principle is generally applied to state action through the 14th amendment, and not directly to Congressional action related to immigration.
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).