American Citizens First Act
Summary
The "American Citizens First Act" proposes significant changes to immigration and naturalization laws. It aims to terminate federal benefits for non-citizens, expand expedited removal authority, and mandate security reviews for Afghan nationals. Additionally, it seeks to allow denaturalization for citizens involved in activities deemed to undermine domestic tranquility and automatically terminate temporary protected status (TPS) based on crime rates.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would likely reduce the number of non-citizens receiving federal benefits and increase deportations. It could also lead to the denaturalization of some naturalized citizens. The changes to TPS could result in the removal of protections for certain groups of immigrants.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings for the federal government by reducing benefits to non-citizens.
- Enhanced national security through stricter vetting processes for certain populations.
- Increased public safety by removing individuals deemed to pose a risk.
- Reinforcement of the idea that American citizens should be prioritized for benefits and protections.
- Could deter illegal immigration.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased discrimination and hardship for non-citizens and their families.
- Possible violation of due process rights for those facing denaturalization or expedited removal.
- Negative impact on the economy due to the loss of labor and consumer spending from non-citizens.
- Damage to the reputation of the United States as a welcoming and inclusive nation.
- Increased strain on the immigration court system.
Constitutional Alignment
Several provisions of the bill raise constitutional concerns. The denaturalization clause may conflict with the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship. The expansion of expedited removal could violate due process rights under the Fifth Amendment. The bill's potential impact on individual liberties and equal protection also warrants careful consideration. The termination of benefits could be challenged under equal protection grounds.
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).