The bill impacts state laws surrounding immigration enforcement significantly. It intends to create clear guidelines for immigration officers concerning their conduct and limitations while carrying out enforcement actions in sensitive locations. Proponents argue that this bill is critical for ensuring that vulnerable populations, including families and children, can access healthcare and education without the fear of being apprehended or deported. This is particularly relevant to immigrant communities that often hesitate to seek necessary services due to fear of enforcement actions.
Summary
House Bill 5166, titled the 'Protecting Sensitive Locations Act', seeks to amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The primary goal of this bill is to limit immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations, which include places such as schools, hospitals, churches, and various social services facilities. By establishing a 1,000-foot buffer zone around these sensitive areas, the bill is designed to enhance the safety and security of individuals who seek essential services without fear of immigration enforcement.
Conclusion
Overall, HB5166 represents a significant shift in how immigration enforcement may interact with sensitive public venues. By defining and protecting areas deemed essential for community welfare, the bill emphasizes a commitment to humane treatment of individuals while navigating immigration policies. The outcome of this bill's discussions and ultimate passing could pave the way for broader changes in national immigration practices.
Contention
However, the bill has faced notable contention. Supporters hail it as a necessary step toward protecting human rights and ensuring that individuals can receive critical services without undue fear. Critics, particularly among those who support stricter immigration control, argue that by limiting enforcement actions, the bill may hinder legitimate law enforcement efforts and reduce overall public safety. There are concerns that these changes could facilitate the evasion of immigration laws, thereby complicating the enforcement process against those who pose a threat to public safety.
DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2023 Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2023 American Promise Act Transnational Criminal Organization Prevention and Elimination Act Protecting Sensitive Locations Act Dream Act Legal Workforce Act American Prosperity and Competitiveness Act H–2B Returning Worker Exception Act American Dream and Promise Act Border Security for America Act
Secure the Border Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility. For example, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume activities to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; provides statutory authorization for Operation Stonegarden, which provides grants to law enforcement agencies for certain border security operations; prohibits DHS from processing the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) arriving between ports of entry; limits asylum eligibility to non-U.S. nationals who arrive in the United States at a port of entry; authorizes the removal of a non-U.S. national to a country other than that individual's country of nationality or last lawful habitual residence, whereas currently this type of removal may only be to a country that has an agreement with the United States for such removal; expands the types of crimes that may make an individual ineligible for asylum, such as a conviction for driving while intoxicated causing another person's serious bodily injury or death; authorizes DHS to suspend the introduction of certain non-U.S. nationals at an international border if DHS determines that the suspension is necessary to achieve operational control of that border; prohibits states from imposing licensing requirements on immigration detention facilities used to detain minors; authorizes immigration officers to permit an unaccompanied alien child to withdraw their application for admission into the United States even if the child is unable to make an independent decision to withdraw the application; imposes additional penalties for overstaying a visa; and requires DHS to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after the E-Verify system and requires all employers to use the system.
Legal Workforce Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create an electronic employment eligibility confirmation system modeled after and to replace the E-Verify system, which allows employers and recruiters to verify the immigration status of individuals. The bill also mandates the use of such a system, where currently only some employers, such as those with federal contracts, are required to use E-Verify. The bill specifies documents that can establish an individual's identity and employment authorization. During the period starting when a job offer is made until three business days after hiring, the individual must attest to his or her employment authorization, and the employer or recruiter must attest that it has examined the individual's required documents. Employers shall reverify certain types of employees who were not previously verified using E-verify. The Social Security Administration shall notify employees if their Social Security number has been used multiple times in an unusual manner. DHS shall establish programs for blocking and suspending misused numbers. Employers that are required to use the verification system shall not be liable for any employment-related action based on a good-faith reliance on the information from the system. The bill establishes a phased-in participation deadline for different categories of employers, including agricultural employers. The bill increases civil penalties related to hiring individuals without work authorization. It also preempts state laws relating to hiring and employment eligibility verification, but states may use their authority of business licensing to penalize employers for failing to comply with the bill's provisions.