Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act; GRACE Act
Summary
The GRACE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set a minimum annual goal of 125,000 for refugee admissions. It mandates the President to determine the number of refugees justified by humanitarian concerns or national interest, with a minimum threshold. The bill also emphasizes community sponsorship and requires quarterly public reports on refugee admissions and processing.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the number of refugees admitted to the United States annually. It also introduces greater transparency and accountability in the refugee admission process through required reporting. The emphasis on community sponsorship could shift some of the burden of refugee resettlement from government agencies to local communities.
Potential Benefits
- Guaranteed minimum number of refugees admitted annually.
- Increased transparency through quarterly public reports.
- Emphasis on community sponsorship to aid refugee resettlement.
- Consideration of UNHCR's global resettlement needs report.
- Potential for increased international cooperation on refugee issues.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on resources and infrastructure in communities receiving refugees.
- Increased costs associated with refugee processing and resettlement.
- Possible delays due to enhanced security checks.
- Potential for political opposition and social tensions related to increased refugee admissions.
- The fixed minimum number may not be flexible enough to respond to changing global circumstances.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The GRACE Act aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty (Preamble). Congress has the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization (Article I, Section 8), which includes setting guidelines for refugee admissions. The Act's reporting requirements promote transparency and accountability, aligning with principles of good governance.
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).