H.R.275 - Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.275, the "Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025," mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish monthly reports on the number of special interest aliens encountered attempting to unlawfully enter the United States. These reports must include the total number of such aliens, their nationalities, countries of last habitual residence, and the geographic regions where they were encountered. The bill also requires the DHS to specify whether encounters occurred at land, air, or sea ports of entry, between ports of entry, or in the interior of the United States.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to increase transparency regarding the number and origins of special interest aliens encountered by DHS. This could lead to increased public awareness and potentially inform policy decisions related to border security and immigration enforcement. The reporting requirements also extend retroactively to include data from January 20, 2021, through January 19, 2025.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in immigration enforcement data.
- Provides data to inform policy decisions related to border security.
- Allows for better resource allocation based on identified trends.
- Enhances public awareness of potential national security risks.
- Facilitates oversight by Congress and the public.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of data to promote discriminatory policies.
- May create a false sense of security or incite fear.
- Could strain DHS resources to meet reporting requirements.
- Risk of data being misinterpreted or used for political purposes.
- The definition of "special interest alien" is broad and potentially discriminatory.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is primarily linked to the powers of Congress related to immigration and national security. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization and to provide for the common Defence. The reporting requirements imposed on the DHS could be seen as a legitimate exercise of these powers, aimed at informing legislative decisions related to immigration and border security. However, the definition of "special interest alien" raises potential concerns regarding equal protection under the Fifth Amendment, if it leads to discriminatory enforcement based on nationality or origin.
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).