Alien Removal Not Resort Stays Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1485
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-09T03:26:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to end federal funding for the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides support for sheltering and services related to migrants. It redirects any remaining unspent funds to immigration enforcement activities, emphasizing removal of non-citizens over temporary shelter provisions.
Key Provisions
- Short Title (Section 1): The bill is named the "Alien Removal Not Resort Stays Act."
- Termination of Program (Section 2): Effective immediately upon enactment, no federal funds may be appropriated or made available to the SSP as it existed before the bill's passage, or to any similar successor program.
- Transfer of Funds (Section 3): Any unobligated (unspent) funds previously allocated to the SSP are transferred to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) "operations and support" account. These funds are designated for expenses related to enforcement, detention, and removal of non-citizens.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill eliminates ongoing authorization for the SSP, which was established under prior laws (such as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024) to address migrant shelter needs during border surges.
- It shifts federal resources away from humanitarian support programs managed by FEMA toward enforcement-focused activities under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), altering the balance between shelter services and immigration removal operations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: FEMA loses authority and funding for migrant shelter programs, potentially reducing its role in non-disaster humanitarian responses. ICE gains additional resources for detention and deportation, which could increase operational capacity but strain budgets if migrant arrivals continue.
- On Citizens and Residents: U.S. taxpayers may see redirected funds supporting stricter immigration enforcement rather than community-based shelter services, potentially lowering costs for shelters but increasing detention-related expenses. Local governments and nonprofits that previously received SSP grants could face funding shortfalls, leading to reduced services in border states or high-migrant areas.
- On International Relations: The focus on removal over shelter may signal a tougher U.S. stance on migration, potentially straining relations with countries like Mexico or those in Central America, where repatriation cooperation is key. It could also affect U.S. credibility in global humanitarian efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily FEMA (program termination) and ICE (funds transfer and expanded enforcement role).
- Immigrants and Non-Citizens: Those seeking asylum or temporary shelter at the border may lose access to federally supported services, facing quicker deportation processes.
- Local Governments and Nonprofits: Communities and organizations in migrant-receiving areas that rely on SSP grants for shelters, food, and transportation.
- U.S. Taxpayers and Congress: Broader fiscal implications through reallocation of funds, with oversight from committees like Financial Services and Appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill's funding termination and transfer could face challenges under administrative law if seen as disrupting ongoing DHS operations without sufficient congressional review. It relies on Congress's power of the purse (Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution) to control appropriations, but successors to the SSP might require separate legislation to fully prevent revival.
- Constitutional: No direct constitutional violations are evident, as it involves federal spending priorities rather than individual rights; however, it could indirectly impact due process for non-citizens under the Fifth Amendment if enforcement surges lead to rushed removals.
- Political: This reflects partisan divides on immigration policy, prioritizing enforcement over humanitarian aid amid debates on border security. Passage would require bipartisan support in a divided Congress, potentially influencing future appropriations bills and midterm election narratives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-21: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-21: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Alien Removal Not Resort Stays Act — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (2 pages)