Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5576

Caption

A bill to limit eligibility for Federal benefits for certain immigrants, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, SB 5576 could lead to a significant shift in how federal benefits are distributed between states and their local governments, particularly in areas like healthcare and education. The bill proposes to narrow the definition of eligible aliens, eliminating access to federal programs for various categories of non-citizens, including those granted temporary protected status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This could exacerbate existing inequalities in access to public services and create challenges for families relying on such support. As a consequence, eligible individuals might face increased difficulties in accessing essential services such as housing, educational funding, and healthcare.

Summary

Senate Bill 5576, titled the America First Act, aims to restrict eligibility for federal benefits to certain non-citizens, particularly impacting those living in sanctuary jurisdictions. One of the notable provisions of the bill allows for a significant reduction in federal grants to educational agencies within states deemed as sanctuary jurisdictions, effectively penalizing them for adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This aspect is designed to discourage the designation of such jurisdictions through financial incentives, thereby promoting compliance with federal immigration laws.

Conclusion

Overall, Senate Bill 5576 represents a substantial reconfiguration of federal assistance eligibility criteria with an emphasis on immigration status. As the bill progresses, it will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about immigration reform and the balance of power between state and federal authorities regarding public welfare.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that it encourages legal immigration practices and allocates resources more effectively by tying federal assistance to compliance with immigration laws. Conversely, opponents criticize the bill as an overreach that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children and families, by penalizing localities for their immigration policies. They argue that this could lead to crippling reductions in funding for essential services, thus undermining community support systems and safety nets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10469

To limit eligibility for Federal benefits for certain immigrants, and for other purposes.

US HB10501

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the annual numerical limitation on visas for certain immigrants, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant work authorization to certain immigrants with a pending application for nonimmigrant status under such Act, and for other purposes.

US SB62

America First ActThis bill limits the eligibility of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) for various federal benefits and grants, makes permanent the child tax credit increase, and requires individuals to provide evidence of satisfactory immigration status prior to receiving specified benefits.The bill prohibits asylees, parolees, and individuals withheld from removal from receiving certain federal benefits, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income. The bill further restricts on the basis of immigration status benefits under federal health programs such as Medicare, emergency disaster relief, housing assistance, food assistance, early childhood assistance, student aid, and Community Development Block Grants.The bill also makes permanent the increase in the child tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, this tax credit and the earned income tax credit are not available to asylees, parolees, individuals granted temporary protected status, individuals withheld from removal, individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status, and non-U.S. nationals with employment-based immigrant visas.Federal aid is reduced for elementary and secondary education by 50% annually to jurisdictions that do not assist federal immigration enforcement actions (deemed sanctuary jurisdictions under the bill).The bill also removes statutory exemptions for Haitian entrants that allows such entrants to receive various aid.Certain benefits are prohibited, including Medicaid and SNAP, until an applicant’s satisfactory immigration status is proved.The bill prohibits tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from using federal funds to support certain non-U.S. nationals.

US SB5636

A bill to ensure progress toward the fulfillment by the Federal Government of its trust and treaty obligations to Native Americans and Tribal governments, and for other purposes.

US SB5618

A bill to promote defense innovation, and for other purposes.

US SB5530

A bill to support and fund the Federal procurement of clean energy products, and for other purposes.

US SB5578

A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to reform certain forfeiture procedures, and for other purposes.

US SB5617

A bill to provide for debt reduction for developing countries for purposes of climate adaptation, and for other purposes.

US SB5454

A bill to update the United States policy towards Hong Kong, and for other purposes.

US SB5526

A bill to establish a Federal Public Defender Commission, and for other purposes.

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