Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.116 - Stopping Border Surges Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 116, the Stopping Border Surges Act, aims to amend immigration laws to deter unlawful entry into the United States. The bill focuses on unaccompanied alien children, asylum reform, and related enforcement measures. It seeks to close loopholes perceived as incentives for illegal immigration.

Expected Effects

The bill's passage would likely lead to stricter enforcement of immigration laws, potentially reducing the number of asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors entering the U.S. It could also result in increased detention of families and expedited removal processes. The changes aim to streamline immigration procedures and reduce perceived abuses of the asylum system.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced border security through stricter enforcement.
  • Reduced strain on social services and resources due to decreased illegal immigration.
  • Discouragement of frivolous asylum claims, preserving resources for genuine refugees.
  • Streamlined processing of unaccompanied alien children.
  • Increased penalties for asylum fraud.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for human rights violations due to expedited removal processes.
  • Increased detention of families, raising concerns about child welfare.
  • Reduced access to asylum for legitimate refugees due to stricter eligibility criteria.
  • Negative impact on communities that rely on immigrant labor.
  • Increased legal challenges and administrative burdens due to complex new regulations.

Constitutional Alignment

Several provisions of the bill raise constitutional concerns. The Fifth Amendment's due process clause could be implicated by expedited removal processes and restrictions on asylum eligibility. The First Amendment could be relevant if the bill's provisions are applied in a way that restricts freedom of speech or religion. The bill's preemption of state licensing requirements for detention facilities may raise federalism concerns under the Tenth 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).