H.R.1763 - For the relief of Diego Montoya Bedoya. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1763 is a bill introduced in the House of Representatives seeking to provide relief for Diego Montoya Bedoya by granting him eligibility for permanent resident status in the United States. The bill waives certain grounds for removal or denial of admission and provides a pathway for adjustment of status.
The bill also addresses budgetary effects and reduces the number of immigrant visas available to natives of Bedoya's country of birth. It explicitly denies preferential immigration treatment for Bedoya's relatives based solely on their relationship to him.
The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget for consideration.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would allow Diego Montoya Bedoya to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, despite potential existing grounds for inadmissibility or deportation. This would provide him with the rights and privileges associated with permanent residency.
The reduction in immigrant visas available to natives of his country of birth could slightly delay or impact the immigration prospects of others from that country. The denial of preferential treatment for relatives prevents chain migration based solely on this specific case.
The budgetary effects would be determined by a statement submitted by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a specific individual with a pathway to legal permanent residency, offering stability and opportunity.
- Rescinds any outstanding removal orders against the individual.
- Allows the individual to apply for adjustment of status within a two-year window.
- May be seen as an act of compassion and individualized justice.
- The bill adheres to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, ensuring budgetary considerations are addressed.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduces the number of immigrant visas available to natives of the individual's country of birth, potentially delaying or preventing other immigrants from that country from obtaining visas.
- May be perceived as preferential treatment for one individual over others seeking immigration benefits through normal channels.
- Could set a precedent for similar relief bills, potentially overwhelming the immigration system.
- The denial of preferential treatment for relatives could be seen as a negative impact on family reunification.
- The cost of processing the application and providing services to the individual will be borne by US taxpayers.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has broad authority over immigration matters, stemming from its power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization (Article I, Section 8, Clause 4). However, the singling out of an individual for special treatment could raise concerns about equal protection under the law, although this is generally applied to state actions (14th Amendment).
The bill's impact on immigration quotas aligns with Congress's power to regulate immigration. The budgetary considerations reflect Congress's power of the purse (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7).
Overall, while the bill appears to fall within the enumerated powers of Congress, the potential for perceived unfairness or unequal treatment warrants careful consideration.
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).