H.R.47 - Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement Restoration Act; VOICE Restoration Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.47, the VOICE Restoration Act, seeks to re-establish the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office within the Department of Homeland Security. This office would provide assistance to victims of crimes committed by aliens present in the United States without lawful status. The bill mandates the creation of a toll-free hotline, local contacts, and access to social service professionals for victims, as well as quarterly reports to Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the President.
Expected Effects
The re-establishment of the VOICE office would likely lead to increased support and resources for victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. It could also lead to a greater focus on the issue of crime committed by undocumented immigrants in policy discussions. The quarterly reports could influence policy and potentially lead to changes in immigration enforcement.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced support for victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
- Increased awareness of available services for these victims.
- Improved communication and information sharing between victims and law enforcement.
- Potential for more informed policy decisions based on data collected by the VOICE office.
- Strengthened partnerships between government and community stakeholders assisting victims.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for the office to be used to promote a specific political agenda regarding immigration.
- Risk of stigmatizing immigrant communities and creating a perception that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes.
- Possible duplication of existing victim support services.
- Concerns about the cost and effectiveness of the office.
- Potential for the office to divert resources from other important areas within DHS.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While the federal government has broad authority over immigration matters, the establishment of an office focused on crimes committed by a specific group raises equal protection concerns under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The focus on victims aligns with the government's responsibility to ensure domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble. However, the potential for discriminatory application requires careful consideration.
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).