To amend the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to provide an exception to the parole fee for the parole of an alien for a sacred Tribal or religious ceremony, cultural exchange, or celebration, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5904 amends the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" to create an exception to parole fees for aliens entering the U.S. for specific sacred Tribal or religious ceremonies, cultural exchanges, or celebrations. This exception applies to aliens sponsored by federally recognized Indian Tribes with land in trust near the Southwest border. The bill sets a fee of $200 in lieu of the standard parole fee.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in more streamlined and affordable processes for Native American tribes to invite individuals for cultural and religious events. It could also foster better relationships between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. However, it could also create additional administrative burdens for the Department of Homeland Security.
Potential Benefits
- Facilitates cultural and religious exchanges for federally recognized Indian Tribes.
- Reduces financial barriers for individuals participating in these events.
- Potentially strengthens relationships between the U.S. government and Native American tribes.
- Provides a specific, limited exception to existing parole fee requirements.
- Could promote cultural understanding and preservation.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase administrative workload for the Department of Homeland Security.
- Could potentially be exploited if not carefully monitored.
- The limited scope may not address broader immigration issues.
- Requires preliminary criminal background checks, adding to processing time.
- The two-year limit may create uncertainty for long-term cultural programs.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom, as it facilitates religious ceremonies and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the bill acknowledges the unique relationship between the U.S. government and federally recognized Indian Tribes, which is rooted in treaty obligations and federal law. Congress has the power to legislate on matters of immigration and relations with Indian tribes, as inferred from Article I, Section 8.
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).