Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act; GRACE Act
Summary
The GRACE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a minimum annual goal of 125,000 for refugee admissions. It also mandates quarterly public reports on refugee admissions and processing, including data on security checks and circuit rides. The bill emphasizes consideration of resettlement needs identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and requires regional allocations for admissions.
Expected Effects
This act would likely increase the number of refugees admitted to the United States annually. It would also enhance transparency and oversight of the refugee admission process through mandated reporting requirements. The emphasis on community sponsorship could shift some resettlement responsibilities from government agencies to private groups.
Potential Benefits
- Increased refugee admissions, potentially offering safety to more individuals fleeing persecution.
- Enhanced transparency in the refugee admission process through quarterly reports.
- Consideration of UNHCR's global resettlement needs in determining admission numbers.
- Potential for increased community involvement in refugee resettlement through private sponsorship.
- Clear numerical goals for refugee admissions, providing a benchmark for government agencies.
Potential Disadvantages
- The fixed minimum number might strain resources if not adequately funded.
- Increased reporting requirements could add administrative burden.
- Potential for delays due to enhanced security checks, despite the rule of construction aiming to avoid inhibiting expeditious processing.
- Possible tension between regional allocation guidelines and unforeseen humanitarian crises.
- The act does not address the financial implications of increased refugee resettlement.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and providing for the common defense, as articulated in the Preamble. Congress's power to establish immigration laws is derived from Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization. The bill's provisions for refugee admissions and reporting requirements fall under this enumerated power. The First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom could be relevant if refugee admissions are prioritized based on religious persecution, but the bill does not explicitly address this.
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).