Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

To prohibit the disclosure of records by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of individuals for the purposes of immigration enforcement, and for other purposes.

Summary

H.R. 5340 aims to prevent the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from disclosing individual records for immigration enforcement purposes. It restricts the Secretary of HUD from sharing records to any person or agency without explicit written consent from the individual, regardless of immigration status. The bill also prevents HUD from compelling public housing agencies to disclose such records.

Expected Effects

The bill would limit the sharing of HUD records for immigration enforcement. HUD would be required to provide a report to Congress outlining compliance measures and past data-sharing practices. This could potentially impact immigration enforcement efforts and increase privacy for individuals receiving housing assistance.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced privacy for individuals receiving housing assistance.
  • Prevents potential misuse of personal information by immigration enforcement.
  • Ensures individuals have control over their data.
  • Protects vulnerable populations from potential discrimination.
  • Promotes trust between individuals and housing agencies.

Potential Disadvantages

  • May hinder immigration enforcement efforts.
  • Could create challenges in identifying and addressing fraudulent activities related to housing assistance.
  • Potential for increased administrative burden on HUD to ensure compliance.
  • May limit information sharing necessary for national security purposes in specific cases.
  • Could be perceived as creating a sanctuary for undocumented individuals.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with constitutional principles related to privacy and due process, particularly the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. It also touches upon the Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, as it limits federal authority over certain data disclosures related to housing. However, the balance between these protections and the federal government's power over immigration is a complex constitutional question.

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).