S.1159 - Guaranteeing Aggressors Zero Admission Act; GAZA Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1159, the Guaranteeing Aggressors Zero Admission Act (GAZA Act), aims to restrict individuals holding passports issued by the Palestinian Authority from entering the United States. The bill proposes to make these individuals ineligible for visas, admission, or parole. Introduced in the Senate, the bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the GAZA Act would prevent individuals with Palestinian Authority passports from obtaining visas, entering, or being paroled into the United States. This could impact travel, immigration, and diplomatic relations. The bill's impact would largely depend on the specific context of US-Palestinian relations at the time of implementation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by preventing potential threats from entering the country.
- Sends a strong message against potential aggression or support for terrorism.
- May strengthen diplomatic leverage in negotiations with the Palestinian Authority.
- Could be seen as protecting American citizens from potential harm.
- Addresses concerns about immigration control and border security.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could harm diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority and other nations.
- May be perceived as discriminatory against Palestinians.
- Could hinder cultural exchange and educational opportunities.
- May negatively impact individuals seeking medical treatment or humanitarian assistance.
- Could face legal challenges based on constitutional principles of equal protection.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality could be challenged under the Fifth Amendment's due process clause and the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause, as it potentially discriminates against a specific group based on nationality. Congress has broad power over immigration (Article I, Section 8), but these powers are subject to constitutional limits. The bill does not appear to violate any specific enumerated rights, such as freedom of speech or religion (First Amendment).
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).