Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

To prohibit the admission of aliens to the United States for 10 years, and for other purposes.

Summary

H.R. 6374 proposes a 10-year ban on the admission of all aliens to the United States, starting from the date the Act is enacted. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Gosar and Mr. Crane and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The primary aim of this bill is to halt immigration to the US for a decade. This would have broad implications across various sectors and aspects of American life.

The bill's impact would be far-reaching, affecting the economy, society, and international relations.

Expected Effects

If enacted, H.R. 6374 would result in a complete cessation of legal immigration to the United States for ten years. This would affect individuals seeking to immigrate for various reasons, including employment, family reunification, and asylum.

The ban would likely lead to significant labor shortages in certain sectors. It would also impact the social fabric of communities across the nation.

Furthermore, the bill could strain international relations, particularly with countries that have historically sent immigrants to the US.

Potential Benefits

  • Could lead to a temporary decrease in competition for certain jobs within the US.
  • May reduce strain on social services and infrastructure in some areas.
  • Could potentially simplify border security efforts during the ban period.
  • May lead to increased wages in some sectors due to reduced labor supply.
  • Could allow for a reassessment of existing immigration policies and their impacts.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Significant labor shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology.
  • Negative impact on economic growth due to reduced workforce and innovation.
  • Separation of families and disruption of communities.
  • Damage to the US's reputation as a welcoming nation for immigrants.
  • Potential for increased illegal immigration as people seek to bypass the ban.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's constitutionality is questionable, particularly regarding equal protection and due process rights. While Congress has broad authority over immigration, a blanket ban for 10 years could be challenged under the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees due process to all persons, not just citizens.

Furthermore, the bill could be argued to violate the spirit of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, as it could be seen as discriminating against certain groups of people based on national origin. Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 grants Congress the power to establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization, but this power is not unlimited and must be exercised in a manner consistent with other constitutional principles.

However, the Supreme Court has historically granted significant deference to Congress on immigration matters.

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).