Overview
Title
To appropriate $25,000,000,000 for the construction of a border wall between the United States and Mexico, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to spend $25 billion to build a big wall between the U.S. and Mexico to help keep the border secure, but some people are worried it might cost too much without being watched closely. It also plans to charge extra money if people file their taxes with special numbers called ITINs instead of using Social Security numbers.
Summary AI
H.R. 7229, titled the "WALL Act of 2024," proposes to allocate $25 billion for constructing a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The bill includes provisions for the use of E-Verify to confirm the immigration status of individuals applying for certain federal benefits and sets fines for illegal entry and overstays. It outlines steps to resume border wall construction, including using existing funds and materials, and emphasizes enhancing border security through technology and infrastructure. Additionally, it mandates verification of Social Security numbers for tax purposes and imposes a fee for tax returns filed with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The proposed bill, titled the "WALL Act of 2024," introduced in the United States House of Representatives, seeks to appropriate $25 billion for constructing a border wall along the southern border of the United States and Mexico. In addition to funding the wall, the bill includes provisions that address the funding sources, such as amending the Internal Revenue Code. This includes requirements for Social Security numbers for tax credit eligibility and the use of E-Verify to ensure immigration status before granting federally funded benefits. The legislation also proposes changes to fines for illegal immigration activities such as illegal entry and overstaying visas.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues accompany the proposals within this bill. One of the main concerns is the substantial allocation of $25 billion for the border wall without clear mechanisms for oversight or spending accountability, potentially leading to wasteful expenditures. The bill allows these funds to be available until used, implying indefinite spending without specific deadlines.
Another contentious issue is the potential ethical and financial burden introduced by the fees for filing tax returns using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), disproportionately affecting individuals without Social Security numbers. Further, the bill's mandate for all federally funded benefits to use the E-Verify system for immigration status verification poses privacy and data security concerns, risking denial of benefits due to potential system errors.
Legal concerns arise from the bill's granting of authority to waive necessary legal requirements to expedite the construction of the border wall, leading to possible violations of environmental and cultural preservation laws. Additionally, the implementation of minimum fines for illegal entry, without clear guidelines, could lead to inconsistent penalties and legal challenges.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill might have significant implications for public spending and immigration policy in the United States. The allocation of $25 billion for a border wall represents a considerable public investment which might divert funding from other public services or priorities. This financial commitment could draw criticisms regarding resource allocation and the effectiveness of such an expenditure in addressing the broader issue of immigration.
For taxpayers, the adjustments to tax credit eligibility and associated requirements may add complexity to tax filings, potentially leading to misunderstandings or errors if not effectively communicated. Those using ITINs might face additional financial burdens due to the imposed filing fees, potentially affecting their economic status.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For government agencies, particularly the Department of Homeland Security, the bill assigns significant responsibilities in terms of border wall construction and immigration enforcement. The need for swift action in resuming construction activities might strain resources and logistical capabilities, especially considering potential environmental or legal challenges.
Noncitizens and individuals dependent on federal benefits are particularly affected by the bill's provisions for E-Verify usage, which could result in benefits being incorrectly denied due to errors in the verification process. The mandated use of advanced technologies and surveillance may also raise civil liberties and privacy concerns.
On the other side, individuals and businesses involved in construction and infrastructure development may benefit economically from the contracts and job opportunities presented by the significant funding for the border wall. However, these opportunities are not without the risk of public or regulatory scrutiny.
Overall, while the bill aims to address border security through enhanced physical barriers and stricter immigration enforcement measures, the approach and potential consequences warrant careful consideration of the broader societal and economic impacts it may foster.
Financial Assessment
Financial Overview
H.R. 7229, known as the "WALL Act of 2024," proposes significant financial measures focused on the construction of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The bill calls for an appropriation of $25 billion for this purpose, with specific instructions for these funds to remain available until they are fully expended. This large-scale allocation underscores the bill's intent to prioritize border security through physical infrastructure development.
Appropriations and Oversight Concerns
The financial allocation of $25 billion for the border wall is a central feature of the bill. However, this amount has raised concerns regarding potential wasteful spending. The indefinite availability of these funds, as expressed by the phrase "shall remain available until expended," lacks specific oversight or detailed plans for how the money will be utilized. This approach might lead to prolonged projects with insufficient accountability, further exacerbating fears about inefficient use of taxpayer money.
Tax-Related Financial Implications
Section 3 introduces a new fee structure impacting individuals who file tax returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A fee of $300 per return is imposed for each individual included in such filings. While this provision aims to offset some of the border wall's costs, it could disproportionately affect individuals without Social Security numbers who rely on ITINs, potentially placing an undue financial burden on them. This approach raises ethical questions about fairness and the financial impact on vulnerable communities.
Minimum Fines for Illegal Entry
The bill also outlines penalties for illegal entry and overstays in the United States. Civil penalties for illegal entry range from $3,000 to $10,000, while overstays result in a fine calculated at $50 for each month an individual remains beyond their authorized stay. Without clear guidelines for application, these financial penalties could result in inconsistent enforcement and legal challenges regarding their proportionality and fairness.
Unsupervised Use of Funds
The directive in Section 5 mandates the use of "all unexpired funds" for ongoing border wall construction. This lack of oversight checks might contribute to inefficient spending and potential misallocation of government resources. Such conditions make it crucial to examine how these funds are being managed to avoid misuse and ensure they effectively serve their intended purpose.
Conclusion
In summary, H.R. 7229 involves substantial financial allocations aimed at enhancing border security. However, the lack of detailed oversight, combined with the financial burdens imposed on certain groups, presents several concerns. Adequate checks and measures need to be integrated into the bill to ensure that resources are used effectively and ethically without negatively impacting specific populations. The financial implications of this bill are significant and warrant careful consideration to balance security interests with fiscal responsibility and social equity.
Issues
The allocation of $25,000,000,000 for the construction of a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border (Section 2) is controversial due to potential concerns about wasteful spending given the lack of specified oversight mechanisms or detailed allocation plans. The phrase 'shall remain available until expended' suggests indefinite spending which lacks accountability and may encourage prolonged projects.
The introduction of fees for filing tax returns using an ITIN in Section 3 could place an undue financial burden on individuals without social security numbers, raising ethical and financial concerns, especially as it adds $300 per return for those relying on ITIN.
Section 6's waiver of all legal requirements to expedite construction raises significant ethical and legal concerns as it might bypass important environmental and cultural preservation regulations. This provision might also lead to public opposition due to the perceived lack of oversight.
The imposition of minimum fines for illegal entry, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 (Section 4), may lead to inconsistent application of penalties without clear guidelines, potentially sparking legal challenges or concerns about proportionality and fairness in enforcement.
The mandatory use of E-Verify for confirming immigration status for federal benefits eligibility (Section 3) could result in privacy issues, data security concerns, and potential errors in the system leading to wrongful denial of benefits for noncitizens.
Section 5's requirement to resume border wall activities within seven days is problematic due to potential logistical, environmental, or legal hurdles. This unrealistic deadline could lead to hurried and ineffective implementation, wasting resources.
The text of the bill lacks clarity in defining the terms 'physical barrier' and 'technology', which might result in broad interpretations leading to higher expenses, mismanagement, or use of outdated materials and systems (Section 5 and Section 6).
Section 5's directive to use 'all unexpired funds' for border wall construction without oversight checks may contribute to inefficient spending and misallocation of government funds.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the act states that it may be referred to as the "WALL Act of 2024."
2. Mandatory spending for border wall Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section allocates $25 billion to build a border wall along the southern border of the United States, and this funding is available until it is fully used for that purpose.
Money References
- (a) In general.—There is appropriated $25,000,000,000 for the purpose of constructing a physical barrier along the southern border of the United States.
3. Offsets Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed amendments to the Internal Revenue Code require taxpayers to include valid Social Security numbers for themselves and their qualifying children when claiming certain tax credits, like the child tax credit, and prevent individuals not permitted to work in the U.S. from receiving tax credits or certain federally funded benefits. Additionally, individuals filing tax returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may face a fee, and agencies must use E-Verify to confirm immigration status for benefits eligibility.
Money References
- — (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 6109(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: “(5) FEE FOR FILING TAX RETURN USING AN ITIN.— “(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any individual income tax return filed by a taxpayer residing in the United States, the Secretary shall require the taxpayer to pay a fee for each such return filed in an amount equal to the product of— “(i) the total number of individuals included on such return (including any spouse or dependent of the taxpayer) with respect to whom an individual taxpayer identification number has been issued, multiplied by “(ii) $300. “
4. Minimum fines for illegal entry and overstay Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines changes to penalties for illegal entry and overstaying visas in the United States. It sets minimum and maximum fines for illegal entry and specific fines for staying beyond an authorized period, while also describing situations where penalties may not apply if certain conditions are met.
Money References
- (a) Illegal entry.—Chapter 8 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1321 et seq.) is amended— (1) in section 275 (8 U.S.C. 1325)— (A) in subsection (a)— (i) by striking “(1)”; (ii) by striking “or (2)”; (iii) by striking “(3)”; and (iv) by striking “shall, for” and all that follows and inserting the following: “shall— “(1) for the first commission of any such offense, be fined in accordance with subsection (b), imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both; and “(2) for a subsequent commission of any such offense, be fined in accordance with subsection (b), imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.”; and (B) in subsection (b)— (i) by inserting “(1)” before “Any alien”; (ii) by striking “civil penalty of” and all that follows through the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting “civil penalty in an amount equal to not less than $3,000 and not more than $10,000.”; and (iii) in the undesignated matter at the end, by striking “Civil penalties” and inserting the following: “(2) Civil penalties”; and (2) in section 276 (8 U.S.C. 1326), by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: “(a)(1) Subject to paragraph (2) and subsection (b), any alien who, after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed or after departing the United States while an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal is outstanding, enters, attempts to enter, or is at any time found in, the United States, shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount equal to not less than $3,000 and not more than $10,000.
- (b) Overstay.—Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1202(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following: “(3) An alien described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount equal to the product of $50 multiplied by the number of months that the alien remained in the United States beyond the alien’s authorized period of stay.”.
5. Border wall construction Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section mandates the immediate resumption of border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border and requires the use of existing funds and materials set aside for this purpose. It also tasks the Secretary of Homeland Security with submitting a detailed plan, including cost estimates and annual progress benchmarks for 200 miles of wall construction, to specific congressional committees.
6. Strengthening the requirements for barriers along the southern border Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed changes to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 strengthen the requirements for building and maintaining barriers and technology along the southern U.S. border. These changes give the Secretary of Homeland Security more authority to construct and manage these barriers, prioritize agent safety, and improve communication and technology to gain better control and awareness of the border area.