H.R.3362 - Justice for Angel Families Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3362, the Justice for Angel Families Act, aims to provide grants to 'angel families,' defined as immediate family members of individuals killed by unlawfully present aliens or members of international criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. The bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to include these families in compensation programs. It also establishes the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within the Department of Homeland Security to support victims of crimes committed by certain aliens.
Expected Effects
The bill would expand the scope of victim compensation programs to include families affected by specific crimes involving unlawfully present aliens or members of international criminal organizations. It would also create a new office dedicated to supporting these victims and providing them with information and resources. This could lead to increased support for affected families and potentially influence immigration and crime-related policies.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial assistance to families who have lost loved ones due to crimes committed by specific individuals.
- Establishes a dedicated office to support victims of immigration crime, offering resources and information.
- Aims to improve communication and support for families navigating the legal and immigration processes.
- Focuses on providing mental health support and addressing emotional distress for affected families.
- Requires annual reports to Congress, potentially increasing transparency and accountability.
Potential Disadvantages
- The definition of 'angel families' is narrow, potentially excluding other victims of crime from similar support.
- The focus on crimes committed by specific groups may lead to perceptions of bias or discrimination.
- The costs associated with establishing and operating the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office are not specified.
- The bill could be interpreted as promoting a specific political agenda related to immigration enforcement.
- May create a perception that certain victims are more deserving of support than others.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is mixed. While providing support to crime victims can be seen as promoting the general welfare (Preamble), the focus on crimes committed by specific groups of individuals raises concerns about equal protection under the law. The establishment of the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office falls under the powers granted to Congress to regulate immigration and establish offices within the executive branch (Article I, Section 8).
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).