Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1348 - Venezuelan Adjustment Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.1348, the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, proposes to allow certain Venezuelan nationals residing in the United States to adjust their immigration status to become lawful permanent residents. This bill outlines specific eligibility criteria, including physical presence in the U.S. before a certain date and continuous residence for a specified period. It also addresses grounds for inadmissibility and provides a pathway for those under deportation orders to apply for adjustment of status.

Expected Effects

If enacted, this bill would provide a pathway to legal residency for eligible Venezuelan nationals, potentially allowing them to work and live in the U.S. without fear of deportation. It could also lead to increased demand for social services and potential impacts on the labor market.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides a pathway to legal status for eligible Venezuelan nationals already in the U.S.
  • Could reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the country.
  • May allow individuals to contribute more fully to the U.S. economy through legal employment.
  • Could provide stability and security for families with Venezuelan members.
  • May align U.S. immigration policy with humanitarian concerns related to the situation in Venezuela.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Could potentially strain social services and resources in certain areas.
  • May face opposition from those who believe it rewards illegal immigration.
  • Could potentially impact the labor market by increasing the supply of workers.
  • May incentivize further illegal immigration from Venezuela.
  • Could be perceived as unfair to individuals from other countries seeking legal status.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's provisions regarding immigration fall under the purview of Congress's power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections. However, the extent to which it aligns with broader constitutional principles of fairness and equal protection could be debated.

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).