Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025
Summary
The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 aims to address the connections between criminal gangs and political/economic elites in Haiti. It mandates the Secretary of State to produce annual reports detailing these connections, including gang activities, elite involvement, and the impact on both Haiti and U.S. interests. The bill also authorizes the President to impose sanctions on individuals identified in the reports as having significant links to criminal gangs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would likely lead to increased scrutiny of Haitian political and economic figures. Sanctions could be imposed, potentially freezing assets and restricting travel to the U.S. for those found to be colluding with criminal gangs. The reporting requirements could also lead to greater transparency and inform policy decisions regarding U.S.-Haiti relations.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding the links between Haitian elites and criminal gangs.
- Potential for sanctions to deter collusion and disrupt criminal activities.
- Enhanced understanding of the threat posed by these connections to both Haiti and U.S. interests.
- Could help reduce illicit firearms trafficking from the US to Haiti.
- May improve stability in Haiti, indirectly benefiting the U.S.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences from sanctions, harming innocent individuals or the Haitian economy.
- Risk of inaccurate or biased reporting, leading to unjust sanctions.
- Possible strain on U.S.-Haiti relations if the sanctions are perceived as heavy-handed.
- The act relies heavily on the executive branch for implementation, which could lead to inconsistent application based on presidential priorities.
- The act's sunset clause limits its long-term impact.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on foreign relations and the imposition of sanctions falls under the purview of the executive branch's authority in foreign policy, as generally recognized. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8) and to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out the powers vested in the government. The bill's provisions regarding immigration and visa restrictions align with Congress's power over naturalization and 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).