H.R.1928 - Sanctuary City Accountability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1928, the "Sanctuary City Accountability Act," aims to authorize private enforcement of immigration laws. It allows U.S. nationals to bring civil actions against sanctuary jurisdictions if an alien located in that jurisdiction commits a crime against them or their immediate family. The bill defines 'sanctuary jurisdiction' as one that obstructs immigration enforcement and shields criminals from ICE.
Expected Effects
The bill could lead to increased litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions. It may also incentivize local governments to cooperate more closely with federal immigration authorities. This could potentially alter the landscape of immigration enforcement at the state and local levels.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially increases public safety by deterring crime committed by aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions.
- Provides a legal avenue for victims of crimes committed by aliens in sanctuary jurisdictions to seek compensation.
- May incentivize sanctuary jurisdictions to cooperate more fully with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
- Could reduce the burden on federal agencies by empowering private citizens to enforce immigration laws.
- May lead to a more uniform application of immigration laws across different jurisdictions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to increased discrimination and harassment of immigrant communities.
- May strain relationships between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, hindering crime reporting.
- Could result in frivolous lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions, burdening local courts and resources.
- May create a chilling effect on local policies designed to protect the rights of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
- Potential for the law to be used for political purposes, further polarizing the debate on immigration.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. It raises questions related to federalism and the separation of powers. Specifically, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill could be seen as an encroachment on state and local authority regarding law enforcement. The bill also raises potential due process concerns if it leads to unjust targeting of individuals based on immigration status.
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).