Neighbors Not Enemies Act
- Bill Number
- S. 193
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Immigration
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-19T11:03:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Neighbors Not Enemies Act" (S. 193) aims to repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, an outdated law that grants the President broad powers to detain or deport non-citizens from countries at war with the United States. The bill seeks to eliminate this authority, promoting protections for immigrants and non-citizens during times of conflict.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is officially named the "Neighbors Not Enemies Act."
- Repeal Clause: It directly repeals Sections 4067 through 4070 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (codified at 50 U.S.C. §§ 21-24), which comprise the full text of the Alien Enemies Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill completely removes the Alien Enemies Act from U.S. law, eliminating the President's ability to classify non-citizens (over age 14) from "enemy" nations as "alien enemies" and subject them to apprehension, restraint, or removal without standard legal processes during declared wars or invasions.
- This ends a provision that has been in effect since 1798, with limited modern use (e.g., during World War II for internment of Japanese, German, and Italian nationals).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) would lose a tool for wartime immigration enforcement, potentially requiring new legal frameworks for handling non-citizens from hostile nations.
- On Citizens and Non-Citizens: Non-citizens, especially immigrants from countries involved in conflicts with the U.S., would gain stronger protections against arbitrary detention or deportation, reducing risks of discrimination based on nationality.
- On International Relations: Could signal a U.S. commitment to human rights and due process in foreign policy, potentially improving relations with allies concerned about immigrant treatment, but might limit flexibility in responding to threats from adversarial nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Immigrants and Non-Citizens: Primary beneficiaries, as they would no longer face summary actions under the repealed law.
- Civil Liberties Organizations: Groups like the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) that advocate for due process rights would likely support this, viewing it as a safeguard against abuses.
- Government and Military Officials: Executive branch leaders and national security agencies could see reduced authority, necessitating alternative strategies for wartime security.
- Lawmakers and the Public: Sponsors (e.g., Senators Hirono, Booker, and others) represent progressive voices focused on equity; broader public debate may involve balancing security and civil rights.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: The repeal aligns with modern interpretations of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which guarantee due process (fair legal procedures) for all persons in the U.S., not just citizens. It could prevent future court challenges over wartime detentions, as seen in historical cases like Korematsu v. United States (upholding Japanese American internment, later widely criticized).
- Political: Introduced in the 119th Congress (2025), it reflects ongoing debates on immigration reform and executive power limits post-9/11. Passage would mark a rare full repeal of foundational legislation, potentially sparking partisan divides between those prioritizing national security and those emphasizing human rights. If enacted, it would require Congress to address any gaps through new laws.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-01-22: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Neighbors Not Enemies Act — issued 2025-01-22 — PDF (1 pages)