S.628 - Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act" aims to suspend the entry of 'covered aliens' into the United States in response to the fentanyl crisis. Covered aliens are defined as individuals attempting to unlawfully enter the US from Canada or Mexico without proper documentation and who are being held for immigration processing. The bill mandates the return of these individuals to their country of origin or the country from which they entered.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would lead to the immediate suspension of entry for covered aliens. It would also increase repatriation efforts, potentially straining resources and impacting diplomatic relations. The intended outcome is to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the United States by limiting border crossings.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced flow of fentanyl into the US, potentially saving lives.
- Enhanced border security and control.
- Reduced strain on resources used for processing undocumented immigrants.
- May deter illegal border crossings.
- Addresses a significant public health crisis.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential violation of international agreements regarding asylum seekers.
- Could lead to family separations.
- May strain diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
- Risk of inhumane treatment during repatriation.
- May not significantly impact the overall fentanyl crisis, as trafficking methods are diverse.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. While the federal government has broad authority over immigration (Article I, Section 8), the bill's potential impact on due process and equal protection rights could raise concerns under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The power to control immigration is constitutionally granted, but the manner in which that power is exercised must still comport with constitutional protections.
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).