H.R.1953 - Deportation Compliance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1953, the "Deportation Compliance Act," aims to prohibit U.S. foreign assistance to countries that deny or delay accepting their nationals who are being deported from the United States. This prohibition would be triggered if the Secretary of State has already exercised authority under section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for at least 180 days, and the country continues to obstruct the acceptance of its nationals.
The bill seeks to ensure that countries cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts by leveraging foreign aid as an incentive.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 6, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to potentially reduce or eliminate U.S. foreign assistance to countries that do not comply with U.S. deportation orders.
This could lead to increased cooperation from these countries in accepting their nationals. It could also strain diplomatic relations and impact various U.S. foreign policy objectives in those regions.
Potential Benefits
- Could lead to increased compliance from foreign nations regarding the acceptance of their deported nationals.
- May reduce the strain on U.S. resources used to detain individuals awaiting deportation.
- Could deter individuals from overstaying visas or entering the U.S. illegally if their home countries are known to be uncooperative with repatriation efforts.
- Might incentivize other nations to establish or improve their own systems for verifying and accepting their citizens who are subject to deportation.
- Could be seen as a strong stance on immigration enforcement, potentially satisfying certain segments of the U.S. population.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could strain diplomatic relations with countries that rely on U.S. foreign assistance, potentially undermining other U.S. foreign policy goals.
- May negatively impact the populations of countries that lose U.S. aid, particularly if the aid is used for humanitarian purposes.
- Could be seen as a coercive measure that infringes upon the sovereignty of other nations.
- Might lead to retaliatory measures from affected countries, such as restricting U.S. access or cooperation on other issues.
- Could be difficult to enforce effectively, as countries may find ways to circumvent the requirements or delay acceptance without explicitly denying it.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is primarily related to the powers of Congress to regulate immigration and foreign commerce. Article I, Section 8, grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization and to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations.
The bill does not appear to directly infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections. However, the potential impact on international relations and the allocation of federal funds could raise questions about the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches in foreign policy.
It is important to note that the constitutionality of the underlying immigration laws and deportation procedures referenced in the bill is a separate matter that has been subject to ongoing debate and legal challenges.
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).