H.R.2931 - Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2931, the "Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025," mandates the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to relocate certain SBA offices located in "sanctuary jurisdictions." A "sanctuary jurisdiction" is defined as a political subdivision that restricts information sharing with federal authorities regarding immigration status. The Act sets a 120-day deadline for relocation after a determination is made and publicly available, with penalties for non-compliance, including potential removal of office heads and cessation of operations.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect would be the relocation of SBA offices from jurisdictions deemed "sanctuary jurisdictions" to non-sanctuary locations. This could disrupt services provided by the SBA in those areas and potentially impact the businesses and individuals who rely on those services. The Act also restricts the establishment of new SBA offices in sanctuary jurisdictions.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially strengthens enforcement of federal immigration laws.
- May ensure SBA resources are used in jurisdictions that fully cooperate with federal agencies.
- Could lead to a more uniform application of federal law across different states and localities.
- May incentivize jurisdictions to change their policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Could be seen as upholding the rule of law by ensuring compliance with federal statutes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could disrupt SBA services to small businesses in sanctuary jurisdictions, potentially harming local economies.
- May create a chilling effect on cooperation between local communities and the SBA, regardless of immigration policies.
- Could be perceived as discriminatory or punitive towards communities with specific immigration policies.
- May lead to increased costs associated with relocating offices and re-establishing services in new locations.
- Could face legal challenges based on constitutional principles of federalism or equal protection.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's constitutionality could be debated under the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. Opponents might argue that the Act infringes upon a state's right to set its own policies regarding immigration enforcement. However, proponents could argue that the Act is a valid exercise of Congress's power under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to establish uniform rules of naturalization and to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States.
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).