Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving

Summary

The "Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving" bill aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by expanding the definition of "aggravated felony" to include specific drunk driving offenses committed by illegal aliens. This expansion applies to offenses involving death or serious bodily injury, regardless of whether the conviction is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. The bill also seeks to make any alien convicted of such offenses inadmissible to the United States.

Expected Effects

If enacted, the bill would lead to stricter immigration enforcement regarding illegal aliens convicted of serious drunk driving offenses. It would broaden the grounds for inadmissibility and deportation. The bill's provisions would apply to actions taken after the enactment date, irrespective of when the criminal conviction occurred.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased public safety by removing dangerous individuals.
  • Potential reduction in drunk driving incidents involving illegal aliens.
  • Strengthened enforcement of immigration laws.
  • Alignment with the goal of protecting citizens from harm.
  • Potential for reduced healthcare costs associated with drunk driving incidents.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential strain on the justice system due to increased deportation proceedings.
  • Possible challenges in determining the immigration status of individuals at the time of the offense.
  • Risk of unintended consequences related to the definition of "serious bodily injury."
  • Could be perceived as discriminatory towards illegal aliens.
  • Potential for increased family separation due to deportation.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the federal government's power to regulate immigration and naturalization, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution. It also relates to the government's responsibility to ensure domestic tranquility and provide for the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. However, concerns could arise regarding due process and equal protection under the law, particularly if the application of the law is perceived as discriminatory, potentially conflicting with the Fifth Amendment.

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).