Us Congress House Bill HB696

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

End Unaccountable Amnesty Act

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 696 could lead to significant alterations in state and federal immigration practices. By limiting the criteria under which temporary protected status can be granted, the bill positions the federal government to have greater control over the admissions process for individuals affected by crises in their home countries. Consequently, this could lead to increased deportation risks for those who currently benefit from such status and a reevaluation of many established protections for immigrants seeking refuge in the United States.

Summary

House Bill 696, known as the 'End Unaccountable Amnesty Act', seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to reform how temporary protected status is granted and managed. This legislation includes provisions for designating foreign states for temporary protection based on specific criteria, such as armed conflicts and environmental disasters. It aims to tighten the eligibility requirements for temporary protected status, making it more difficult for individuals to qualify, thereby impacting many undocumented immigrants who rely on such protections.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debate regarding its implications on human rights and the treatment of unaccompanied minors. Critics argue that by repealing certain protections intended for these vulnerable groups and imposing stricter regulations, the bill undermines the humanitarian obligations of the United States. Moreover, the legislation allows for civil actions against the government for failures in its enforcement of these new laws, which raises questions about accountability and the operational feasibility of such measures.

Congress_id

119-HR-696

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-01-23