Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Defense should review section 504 of title 10, United States Code, for purposes related to enlisting certain aliens in the Armed Forces.
Summary
This House Resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of Defense should review section 504 of title 10, United States Code. The review is specifically for the purpose of determining and authorizing the enlistment of aliens with employment authorization under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in the Armed Forces.
The resolution does not enact any new laws or policies. It simply urges the Secretary of Defense to consider a specific issue related to military enlistment.
Expected Effects
If the Secretary of Defense acts on this resolution, it could lead to a policy change regarding the enlistment of DACA recipients. This could potentially increase the pool of eligible recruits for the Armed Forces.
However, as a resolution, it is non-binding. The Secretary of Defense is not obligated to act upon it.
Potential Benefits
- Could increase the number of individuals eligible for military service, potentially filling critical roles.
- May provide DACA recipients with a pathway to citizenship through military service.
- Could enhance diversity within the Armed Forces.
- Aligns with the principle of allowing individuals who are willing to serve the nation to do so.
- May improve the perception of the US as a land of opportunity for immigrants.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May raise concerns about the security vetting process for DACA recipients in sensitive military roles.
- Could be perceived as circumventing existing immigration laws.
- May face legal challenges based on immigration statutes and constitutional interpretations.
- Could create a disparity between DACA recipients and other immigrants seeking to enlist.
- May generate political controversy and division.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution itself does not directly violate any specific provision of the Constitution. Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The executive branch, through the Secretary of Defense, manages the armed forces.
The constitutionality of enlisting certain aliens depends on the interpretation of immigration laws and the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief.
However, the resolution does not mandate any action, it merely expresses the sense of the House, which falls within its legislative powers.
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).