H.R.2056 - District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act of 2025, seeks to mandate that the District of Columbia comply with federal immigration laws. Specifically, it prohibits the District from enacting or maintaining any policy that restricts communication or information sharing with federal immigration authorities regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual. The bill also requires the District to comply with detainers issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this law would prevent the District of Columbia from operating as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction.' This would mean the District would be compelled to share immigration status information and comply with federal detainer requests. This could lead to increased enforcement of federal immigration laws within the District.
Potential Benefits
- Increased cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration matters.
- Potential for improved public safety through the apprehension of individuals with unlawful status who may pose a risk.
- Greater consistency in the application of immigration laws across different jurisdictions.
- May reduce incentives for illegal immigration to the District of Columbia.
- Could lead to increased federal funding or support for immigration enforcement activities within the District.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential erosion of trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement.
- Increased risk of racial profiling and discrimination.
- Strain on local resources due to increased involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
- Possible negative impact on the District's economy if immigrant workers are deterred from living or working there.
- Concerns about the potential violation of individual rights and due process.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The constitutionality of this bill hinges on the balance of power between the federal government and the District of Columbia, a unique entity directly under congressional authority. Congress has broad authority over the District, potentially justifying this level of intervention. However, arguments could be made regarding the Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states (though this is less applicable to D.C.), and potential Fourth Amendment concerns related to unreasonable searches and seizures if compliance leads to unwarranted detentions.
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).