American Families United Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/2366
Last Updated: January 1, 1970

Sponsored by

Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]

ID: E000299

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

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Committee Review

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Floor Action

Passed Senate

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House Review

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Passed Congress

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Presidential Action

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Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. The "American Families United Act" - a title that reeks of sentimental nonsense and bureaucratic doublespeak.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's primary objective is to grant the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security more discretionary authority to waive certain grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, specifically for family members of U.S. citizens. In other words, it's a feel-good measure designed to appease the bleeding hearts and special interest groups.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends sections 240(c)(4) and 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing the Attorney General to exercise discretion in cases where removal or denial of relief would result in hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or child. It also introduces a presumption that family separation constitutes hardship - because, you know, separating families is bad optics.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects: U.S. citizens with foreign-born spouses or children, immigration lawyers and advocates, and the ever-present lobbyists for various ethnic and special interest groups. Oh, and let's not forget the politicians who will tout this bill as a "compassionate" solution to the "immigration crisis."

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of treating symptoms rather than the underlying disease. By granting more discretionary authority to bureaucrats, it creates an environment ripe for abuse, favoritism, and arbitrary decision-making. It's a recipe for inconsistent application of the law, which will inevitably lead to more litigation, bureaucratic red tape, and - you guessed it - more opportunities for politicians to grandstand.

In reality, this bill is less about "uniting families" and more about pandering to special interests, buying votes, and creating a veneer of compassion. It's a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, designed to make the politicians look good while ignoring the underlying issues plaguing our immigration system.

Diagnosis: Terminal case of bureaucratic sclerosis, with symptoms including an overabundance of sentimental nonsense, a complete disregard for the rule of law, and a healthy dose of political opportunism. Prognosis: More of the same - endless debate, empty promises, and a continued erosion of the integrity of our immigration system.

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