Protect Railroads Against Illegal Looters Act; Protect RAIL Act
Summary
The "Protect RAIL Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make aliens convicted of or admitting to offenses involving interstate or foreign shipments by carrier inadmissible and deportable. Specifically, it targets offenses under section 659 of title 18 of the United States Code, which deals with theft from interstate or foreign shipments. The bill aims to deter and punish the looting of railroads and other carriers.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would expand the grounds for inadmissibility and deportability under immigration law. Aliens convicted of or admitting to the specified offenses would be barred from entering the US or subject to deportation. This could potentially reduce crime related to interstate and foreign shipments.
Potential Benefits
- Increased security for interstate and foreign shipments, potentially reducing losses for businesses.
- Deterrence of crime related to the looting of railroads and other carriers.
- Enhanced public safety by removing or preventing the entry of individuals who commit these offenses.
- Alignment with the goal of protecting economic assets and infrastructure.
- Could lead to a decrease in insurance costs for companies that rely on railroads for shipping.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased strain on immigration courts and resources.
- Risk of disproportionate impact on certain communities.
- Possible challenges in proving admission of guilt for offenses.
- Could be seen as overly punitive, especially for minor offenses.
- May not significantly impact overall crime rates.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the power of Congress to regulate immigration and naturalization, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution. It also indirectly relates to the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by protecting interstate commerce from theft and disruption. The bill must be implemented in a manner consistent with due process rights guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
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).