No American Benefits Abroad Act
Summary
The "No American Benefits Abroad Act" aims to prohibit individuals receiving public assistance from making international wire transfers. It requires wire transfer providers to obtain written notification from individuals regarding their public assistance status. The bill defines public assistance as any payment or benefit from a means-tested welfare or public assistance program.
Expected Effects
This act would restrict how public assistance recipients can use their benefits. It could potentially reduce the outflow of public funds to foreign countries.
Potential Benefits
- May reduce potential misuse of public assistance funds.
- Could encourage recipients to spend funds within the US economy.
- Might deter individuals from seeking public assistance solely to transfer money abroad.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could disproportionately affect immigrants who send money to support family abroad.
- May create additional bureaucratic hurdles for both recipients and wire transfer providers.
- Could be seen as infringing on the rights of public assistance recipients to manage their funds.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality could be challenged under the Equal Protection Clause if it's deemed to unfairly target a specific group. However, Congress has broad power to regulate spending under Article I, Section 8, which provides for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific enumerated rights, such as those in the First or Second Amendments.
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).