S.62 - America First Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "America First Act" (S.62) aims to limit eligibility for federal benefits for certain immigrants. It amends existing laws like the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) and the Social Security Act. The bill targets various federal programs, including Head Start, Medicaid, Medicare, housing assistance, tax credits, FEMA assistance, and postsecondary financial aid.
Expected Effects
The Act would significantly restrict access to public benefits and services for non-citizens, particularly those with specific immigration statuses such as parolees, asylum seekers, and those with temporary protected status (TPS) or deferred action (DACA). It could lead to reduced federal funding for sanctuary jurisdictions and organizations providing support to affected immigrant populations. The bill also seeks to tighten verification processes and identification requirements for certain tax credits.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in government spending on social programs.
- May incentivize stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
- Could free up resources for citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- May reduce the strain on public services and infrastructure.
- Could decrease competition for certain jobs and resources.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced access to essential services (healthcare, housing, education) for vulnerable immigrant populations.
- Increased poverty and hardship among affected families.
- Potential negative impact on public health due to reduced healthcare access.
- Economic consequences for states and localities with large immigrant populations.
- Possible violation of equal protection principles and due process rights.
Constitutional Alignment
Several aspects of this bill raise constitutional concerns. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, which could be challenged if the bill is seen as discriminatory against certain groups of immigrants. Additionally, the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, which could be relevant in the context of denying benefits without adequate procedural safeguards.
The bill's provisions regarding sanctuary jurisdictions could also raise federalism concerns, potentially infringing on states' rights to set their own policies regarding immigration enforcement, as protected by the Tenth Amendment. However, Congress has broad power over immigration under Article I, Section 8, Clause 4, which grants it the power to establish a uniform rule of naturalization.
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).